Robotic surgery
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Robotic surgery
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Robotic-assisted surgery, which is an exciting innovation in the field of minimally invasive gynaecological surgery, is the most advanced form of laparoscopic surgery. It involves the use of a specialised surgical robot, under the expert control of an accredited surgeon, to perform a range of gynaecological procedures with outstanding precision.
A/Prof. Bindu Murali is fully accredited to perform robot-assisted gynaecologic surgery with the state-of-the-art Da Vinci® system. As one of Illawarra’s first robotic gynaecological surgeons, she has performed numerous robotic-assisted gynaecological surgical procedures at Wollongong Private Hospital, resulting in excellent outcomes for her patients.
What are the benefits of robotic surgery?
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There is Improved vision as robotic surgery uses a 3D high definition camera with high magnification compared to conventional laparoscopy which uses 2D images.
Robotic surgery has enhanced instrumentation using wristed instruments with a wide range of motions comparable to the human wrist which can bend and rotate compared to conventional laparoscopy which uses surgical instruments with long thin shafts referred to as straight sticks.
The surgical instruments are held steady by the robot which in turn is controlled by the surgeon, allowing fine motions and greater precision.
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The surgical incisions will be smaller than with an open type of hysterectomy and pain after surgery may be less. The hospital stay required after surgery may be shorter and you may recover faster after surgery. The risks of complications such as bleeding or infection may be less.
​When is robotic surgery needed?
Your health condition may sometimes warrant gynaecological surgical intervention because non-surgical standard treatment options are not giving you any relief.
Such surgery may include:
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removal of the womb (hysterectomy),
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removal of the fallopian tubes and ovary (salpingo-oophorectomy),
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removal of a non-cancerous growth of the uterus called fibroid (myomectomy),
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removal of endometriotic lesions (excision of endometriotic lesions)
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In many cases, the same procedure can be undertaken using an abdominal incision (open surgery), through the vagina (vaginal surgery), using a laparoscope inserted through keyholes (laparoscopic surgery) or using assistance from a robot (robotic surgery).
Using her experience and expertise in all these surgical techniques, A/ Prof. Bindu Murali can discuss with you which surgical approaches would best address your underlying gynaecological condition. In discussion with you, she will be able to develop a tailored treatment plan that prioritises your health needs and your preferences.
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Are there any risks for robotic surgery?
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Just like any surgical procedure, there are some risks related to robotic surgery. This would include risks related to anaesthesia given for surgery, and the actual surgical procedure itself. A/Prof Bindu Murali will discuss with you the risks and benefits of the procedure and clarify all your questions well before the surgery. She will also discuss with you the steps of preparation for surgery, explain what happens on the day of the surgery and what happens after the surgery.
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At this stage, A/Prof. Bindu Murali is able to do robotic-assisted gynaecologic surgeries only at Wollongong private hospital.
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Useful resources:
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Robotic Surgery Patient information video
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