About Robot Assisted Gynec-oncology Surgery
Robotic gynec-oncology surgery is a cutting-edge technique of performing surgical procedures for cancers of female reproductive system. This Robotic assistance helps in minimising the invasiveness of surgery and increases precision and control.
Benefits of Robotic Assistance
- Precision: Robotic systems provide surgeons with enhanced dexterity and precision, allowing for more accurate removal of cancerous tissues.
- Minimally Invasive: The surgery is performed through small incisions, which reduces blood loss, pain, and recovery time.
- 3D Visualization: Surgeons have a high-definition, three-dimensional view of the surgical area, improving their ability to navigate complex anatomy.
- Reduced Complications: The minimally invasive nature of the surgery leads to fewer complications and shorter hospital stays.
The Surgical Procedure for Gynec Cancers comprises of
- Hysterectomy, removal of the uterus and cervix. While operating uterine and ovarian cancer Type 1 hysterectomy is done i.e. the adjacent tissue known as parametrium is not taken. In case of cervical cancer, the adjacent parametrium has to be removed for margins i.e. Type III hysterectomy should be done
- Oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries. In case of ovarian cancer, the ovary might be enlarged or become tumorous
- Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of lymph nodes to check for the spread of the disease
- Omentum and peritoneal deposits if any also have to be removed
Gynecology Cancers suitable for Robotic Surgery
- Endometrial (Uterus) Cancer: Early-stage cancer i.e. when the disease is limited to uterus; the muscle invasion is not there or very limited and also the disease spread to pelvic lymph nodes is minimal. Such a uterine cancer is apt for robotic surgery, it not only provides better aesthetics but in fact makes surgery very precise and recovery is much faster
- Cervix (mouth of Uterus) Cancer: It is recommended to use robotic assistance in very early-stage cervical cancers or those cancers who got very good response to neo adjuvant chemotherapy. Generally, for cervical cancers open approach is preferable as for achieving adequate margins tissue adjacent to cervix i.e. parametrium needs to removed along with hysterectomy specimen
- Ovarian Cancer: The surgery for ovarian cancer is term as cytoreduction. Ovarian cancer has tendency to spread in the peritoneum, hence the surgical procedure involves removal omentum and involved peritoneum along with uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes and lymph nodes. Robotic Assistance is generally useful for very early stage cancers or those who get very good response to induction chemotherapy
