Frequently Asked Questions About Robotic Gynecologic Surgery

Many patients have some common questions about robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery.

What types of robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery does Sharp perform?
Sharp’s affiliated surgeons use the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System to perform hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids), removal of ovaries or tumors, endometriosis resection and sacrocolpopexy (treatment of uterine and vaginal prolapse).

Robotic-assisted surgery also can be beneficial for women who need procedures to assist in fertility, such as clearing blockages in the fallopian tubes or removing fibroids. This surgery is also used in the treatment of cervical dysplasia and cancer. Some women are candidates to undergo procedures such as endometrial ablation without even having to remove the uterus.

How is this different from traditional “open” surgery?

Jacki, Robotic Hysterectomy Patient
Jacki was suffering from strange pains before she had a hysterectomy via robotic-assisted surgery.
Robotic-assisted surgery is minimally invasive, which means it requires only a few small incisions in the abdomen. Traditional surgery requires an open cut through the abdomen. Because robotic-assisted surgery is less invasive, there is a quicker recovery time, less scarring, less blood loss, fewer complications and significantly less pain. Robotic-assisted surgery also allows the surgeon to see the delicate structures of the pelvis more clearly. This is especially important when the physician is working to preserve the uterus for future pregnancies.

What happens in the operating room during robotic surgery?
There is usually a preparation period of about one hour before your actual surgery. When the surgery begins, the physician makes a few small incisions in your abdomen (depending on the type of surgery) and puts the instruments in place. Your surgeon sits at a console and places his hands in the controls. In turn, his hand movements are translated into the precise movements of the instruments. There is a high-definition, three-dimensional screen in the operating room. The surgeon and assistant are always by your side.

I would like to have robotic-assisted surgery. What should I do next?
Only you and your doctor can determine if you are a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery. Discuss your options with your doctor. If you need a referral to a doctor who has been trained in robotic-assisted surgery, call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277).

I am very overweight. Can I still have a hysterectomy?
Because robotic-assisted surgery is less invasive, surgery on an overweight person can be possible. Discuss your options with your doctor.

What if the computer crashes?
The da Vinci robotic system provides assistance to the physician but cannot function on its own. The surgeon controls the robot and directs its movements. As with any procedure, Sharp has full contingency plans for any equipment issues. We are pleased to say that since first using the robot beginning in 2005, Sharp's robots have never experienced an unexpected downtime during a procedure.

What if there is a power failure?

Diana, Robotic Hysterectomy Patient
Diana underwent robotic surgery after a uterine cancer diagnosis.
Sharp is fully equipped to continue caring for patients throughout the hospital in the event of a power outage. Every facility has reserve power generators, which automatically take over if needed.

Where is robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery offered?
Sharp HealthCare offers da Vinci® robotic surgery at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, located in South County, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, located in East County, and Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, located in central San Diego.

How can I find a surgeon who performs robotic-assisted surgery at Sharp?
Sharp accepts almost all health insurance. For help finding a surgeon who specializes in robotic-assisted surgery or to schedule a consultation, call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

How to Choose da Vinci at Sharp
To learn more, attend a robotic gynecologic surgery seminar. Sharp accepts almost all health insurance. For help finding a surgeon who specializes in robotic-assisted surgery or to schedule a consultation, call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.