What is Robotic Endometriosis Resection?
Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body, most commonly within the pelvis. It can affect areas including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel and bladder, and may cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sex and difficulties becoming pregnant.
Robotic excision of endometriosis involves carefully identifying and cutting away areas of endometriosis while aiming to preserve surrounding healthy tissue and organs. Surgery may also involve dividing adhesions or treating endometriosis-related cysts. This can be particularly important for deep endometriosis affecting or growing close to structures such as the bowel, bladder and ureters.
Robotic surgery for endometriosis is performed through several small incisions in the abdomen using specialised instruments controlled by your surgeon. Whether this approach is appropriate for you will depend on your symptoms, the location and extent of your endometriosis, previous treatment and your individual circumstances.
Why choose St John & St Elizabeth Hospital for your robotic gynaecology surgery?
Choose St John & St Elizabeth Hospital for specialist gynaecological care, advanced robotic technology and personalised endometriosis treatment in St John’s Wood, London.
- Specialist gynaecological surgeons: Your treatment is led by an experienced consultant with expertise in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery.
- Precise endometriosis excision: The aim of surgery is to carefully remove areas of endometriosis while protecting surrounding healthy tissue and important pelvic structures.
- Advanced robotic technology: The da Vinci Xi provides magnified 3D visualisation and highly manoeuvrable instruments that can assist with detailed surgery in the pelvis.
- Individual treatment planning: Your surgery is planned according to your symptoms and the location, extent and complexity of your endometriosis.
- Private gynaecological care in London: Receive specialist care throughout your treatment and recovery at our independent hospital in St John’s Wood.
Consultants offering robotic endometriosis in London
Robotic Endometriosis Surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, robotic gynaecological surgery for endometriosis is planned around the location and extent of your disease, your symptoms and your individual treatment goals.
During surgery, your consultant carefully examines the pelvis and removes visible areas of endometriosis where appropriate. Particular care is taken when disease is close to important structures such as the ovaries, bowel, bladder, ureters, blood vessels and pelvic nerves.
The extent of surgery varies considerably between patients. Your consultant will discuss the planned procedure with you beforehand, including what they aim to remove, whether other organs may be involved and the potential benefits and risks of surgery.
Robotically-assisted endometriosis resection using the da Vinci Xi surgical system
The da Vinci Xi provides a highly magnified 3D view of the pelvis, helping your surgeon identify tissue and distinguish important anatomical structures during endometriosis robotically-assisted surgery. Your consultant controls the system throughout the operation, using small wristed instruments that can move precisely within confined areas.
This combination of detailed visualisation and instrument movement can be particularly useful when endometriosis is located deep within the pelvis or close to sensitive structures. It allows your surgeon to carefully dissect and excise affected tissue while aiming to minimise damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
As a minimally invasive technique, robotically-assisted surgery uses small abdominal incisions rather than the larger incision required for open surgery. This may offer benefits such as smaller scars, less postoperative pain and a shorter recovery, although your experience will depend on the extent and complexity of the endometriosis being treated
Frequently Asked Questions about robotic endometriosis surgery
Excision involves cutting out areas of endometriosis, whereas ablation destroys endometriosis tissue using techniques such as heat. The most appropriate technique depends on factors including the type and location of the disease.
Your consultant will explain the surgical approach they recommend based on your individual endometriosis.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon accesses the pelvis through several small abdominal incisions and uses the da Vinci Xi surgical system to examine the area and remove endometriosis where appropriate.
The exact operation depends on where your endometriosis is located and whether adhesions, ovarian cysts or other pelvic structures are involved.
Deep endometriosis can develop close to structures such as the bowel, bladder, ureters and pelvic nerves. Operating in these areas can require careful dissection within a confined space.
Robotic technology provides magnified 3D visualisation and wristed instruments that can assist the surgeon when carrying out precise work around these structures.
Endometriosis can affect the bowel and bladder, and some patients with deep disease require more complex surgery. The treatment required depends on how deeply the endometriosis involves the affected organ.
Complex cases may require input from other specialists, such as colorectal or urological surgeons. Your consultant will discuss this with you when planning your treatment if appropriate.
There is currently no cure for endometriosis. Surgery can remove areas of endometriosis and may help relieve symptoms, but it is possible for symptoms or endometriosis to recur following treatment.
Your consultant will discuss what surgery is intended to achieve in your individual case and whether you may require additional treatment or follow-up.
Endometriosis can be associated with difficulty becoming pregnant, but the relationship between endometriosis, surgery and fertility is complex. Surgery may be considered as part of treatment for some people who wish to become pregnant, but it cannot guarantee improved fertility.
If future pregnancy is important to you, tell your consultant so this can be considered when planning your treatment.
Recovery depends significantly on the extent of your endometriosis and the complexity of your operation. Someone having treatment for a relatively small area of disease may recover differently from someone requiring extensive excision involving several areas of the pelvis.
Your clinical team will provide personalised advice about returning to work, exercise, driving and other activities following surgery.
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots and injury to nearby organs or structures. When endometriosis involves areas such as the bowel, bladder or ureters, the operation may carry additional procedure-specific risks.
Your consultant will explain the risks associated with your planned surgery and answer any questions before you decide whether to proceed.
No. Treatment for endometriosis is highly individual, and not everyone with the condition needs surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery is also not appropriate for every patient or every type of endometriosis.
Your consultant will consider your symptoms, previous treatment, imaging where appropriate, the suspected extent of disease and your personal priorities before recommending a treatment plan.