What is Robotic Fibroid Removal?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Some cause no problems, while others can lead to symptoms such as heavy or painful periods, pelvic pain or pressure, and may sometimes be associated with fertility problems.
A myomectomy removes fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. This distinguishes it from a hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed, and can make myomectomy an important treatment option for women who want to preserve their uterus or may wish to become pregnant in the future.
There are several ways to perform a myomectomy, including open abdominal, laparoscopic, hysteroscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. Which approach is appropriate depends on factors including the size, number and position of your fibroids, as well as your symptoms and individual circumstances.
During a robotic myomectomy, your surgeon accesses the uterus through small incisions in the abdomen. The fibroids are carefully removed before the uterine muscle is repaired, with the aim of preserving the structure and function of the uterus.
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 fibroid treatment in St John’s Wood, London.
- Specialist gynaecological surgeons: Your care is led by an experienced consultant who will assess your fibroids and recommend treatment based on your individual circumstances.
- Uterus-preserving surgery: A myomectomy removes fibroids while retaining the uterus, which may be particularly important if preserving fertility is a consideration for you.
- Advanced robotic technology: The da Vinci Xi provides magnified 3D visualisation and highly manoeuvrable instruments to assist with precise fibroid removal and repair of the uterus.
- Personalised fibroid treatment: The number, size and location of your fibroids are considered when determining whether robotic myomectomy is the most appropriate approach.
- Private gynaecological care in London: Receive your treatment at our independent hospital in St John’s Wood, with specialist support throughout your surgery and recovery.
- Supporting St John’s Hospice: As a charitable hospital, any surplus we make is used to support our on-site hospice, which provides free palliative care to thousands of patients and their families each year.
Consultants offering robotic myomectomy in London
Robotic Fibroid Surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, our specialist gynaecological surgeons provide personalised treatment for uterine fibroids, including robotic gynaecological surgery for suitable patients.
Before recommending surgery, your consultant will assess your symptoms and the size, number and location of your fibroids, usually with the help of imaging. Robotic myomectomy may be considered for fibroids within the muscular wall of the uterus or on its outer surface, including some more complex cases where precise removal and uterine reconstruction are important.
The aim of robotic fibroid removal is to treat troublesome fibroids while retaining the uterus. Your consultant will discuss whether robotic surgery is suitable for you, as well as alternative treatments where appropriate.
Robotically- assisted fibroid removal using the da Vinci Xi surgical system
The da Vinci Xi surgical system provides your surgeon with a magnified 3D view of the uterus and surrounding anatomy. From a console in the operating theatre, your surgeon controls small, wristed instruments that allow precise movement when separating fibroids from the uterine muscle.
Once the fibroids have been removed, the uterus is carefully repaired. The enhanced visualisation and manoeuvrability provided by the system can assist your surgeon with this detailed reconstruction while performing the operation through small abdominal incisions.
As a minimally invasive procedure, robotically-assisted myomectomy may offer advantages compared with open abdominal surgery, including smaller incisions, less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. However, robotic surgery is not suitable for every fibroid, and your consultant will recommend the approach that is most appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about robotic myomectomy
A myomectomy removes uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. A hysterectomy removes the uterus itself and may be recommended in some circumstances as an alternative treatment for fibroids.
If retaining your uterus or future pregnancy is important to you, your consultant will take this into account when discussing your treatment options.
Suitability depends on factors including the size, number and position of your fibroids, your symptoms, previous surgery and your general health. Robotic-assisted surgery can be considered for some larger, multiple or more complex fibroids, including those within the uterine muscle.
Your consultant will review your scans and individual circumstances before recommending a surgical approach.
One of the reasons for choosing myomectomy rather than hysterectomy is to retain the uterus and the possibility of a future pregnancy. However, having a myomectomy does not guarantee fertility or pregnancy.
If you would like to have children in the future, discuss this with your consultant before surgery. They can explain how your fibroids and proposed treatment may affect pregnancy and advise you about when it may be appropriate to try to conceive following your operation.
Robotic myomectomy is performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon inserts a camera and surgical instruments through several small incisions in the abdomen and controls them using the da Vinci Xi system.
The fibroids are carefully separated from the uterus and removed before the uterine muscle is repaired. Your surgeon remains in control of the instruments throughout the operation.
Robotic myomectomy allows fibroids to be removed through small abdominal incisions while preserving the uterus. The da Vinci Xi gives the surgeon a magnified 3D view and provides highly manoeuvrable instruments that can assist with detailed dissection and suturing.
Compared with traditional open myomectomy, a minimally invasive robotic approach may be associated with less blood loss, smaller scars and a shorter hospital stay, although outcomes vary between patients.
Many people can live a normal life with one healthy kidney. Before recommending removal of an entire kidney, your consultant will consider how well your kidneys are functioning and whether the remaining kidney can provide sufficient kidney function.
You may require ongoing monitoring of your kidney function following surgery.
A myomectomy removes existing fibroids but does not prevent new fibroids from developing in the future. This means some women may experience further fibroids after surgery.
Your consultant can discuss the likelihood of recurrence based on factors such as your age and individual fibroid history.
As with any operation, robotic myomectomy carries potential risks. These can include bleeding, infection, blood clots and injury to surrounding structures. There are also specific considerations associated with cutting into and repairing the uterus.
Rarely, circumstances during surgery may make it necessary to change the planned surgical approach. Your consultant will explain the risks relevant to you before you decide whether to proceed.
This depends on the location and depth of the fibroids removed and how the uterus was repaired. In some cases, your consultant may recommend delivery by Caesarean section in a future pregnancy because of the surgery performed on the uterine muscle.
Your surgeon will advise you about future pregnancy and childbirth based on the details of your operation.