What is Robotic Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus (womb). It may be recommended to treat conditions including fibroids, adenomyosis, heavy or abnormal bleeding, endometriosis, uterine prolapse and some gynaecological cancers when other treatments are unsuitable or have not been effective.
There are different types of hysterectomy. A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix, while a subtotal hysterectomy removes the uterus but leaves the cervix in place. Depending on your diagnosis, surgery may also involve removing one or both fallopian tubes and ovaries.
A robotic hysterectomy is performed using a minimally invasive keyhole technique. Instead of accessing the uterus through a large abdominal incision, your surgeon operates using a camera and specialised instruments inserted through small incisions in the abdomen.
After a hysterectomy, you will no longer have periods and will not be able to become pregnant. If your ovaries are removed before you have reached the menopause, this will also cause surgical menopause. Your consultant will explain exactly what your operation involves and discuss its implications with you beforehand.
Why choose St John & St Elizabeth Hospital for your robotic gynaecology surgery?
Choose St John & St Elizabeth Hospital for specialist gynaecological expertise, advanced robotic surgery and personalised care in St John’s Wood, London.
- Specialist gynaecological surgeons: Your treatment is led by an experienced consultant who will recommend the most appropriate type of hysterectomy for your condition
- Advanced robotic technology: The da Vinci Xi provides detailed 3D visualisation and highly manoeuvrable instruments for minimally invasive pelvic surgery.
- Individual treatment planning: Your consultant will discuss exactly what needs to be removed during your hysterectomy and whether robotic surgery is appropriate for you.
- Minimally invasive approach: Robotic surgery allows your surgeon to perform the procedure through small abdominal incisions rather than a large open incision.
- 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 hysterectomy in London
Robotic Hysterectomy Surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, our specialist gynaecological surgeons provide consultant-led care for patients requiring hysterectomy, including robotic-assisted surgery for suitable patients.
Your consultant will consider your diagnosis, symptoms, medical history and any previous treatments before recommending surgery. They will also discuss the type of hysterectomy you require and whether your cervix, fallopian tubes or ovaries need to be removed.
A robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy allows the operation to be performed through small abdominal incisions rather than the larger incision associated with open abdominal surgery. This minimally invasive approach may mean smaller scars, less postoperative discomfort and a quicker recovery compared with open surgery, although this varies between patients.
Robotically-assisted hysterectomy using the da Vinci Xi surgical system
During robotically-assisted hysterectomy surgery, the da Vinci Xi provides your surgeon with a magnified 3D view of the pelvis, helping them clearly identify the uterus and surrounding structures. Your surgeon controls the system from a console in the operating theatre, directing the camera and wristed surgical instruments throughout the operation.
The range of movement provided by the instruments can be particularly useful when carefully separating the uterus from its supporting tissues and operating within the confined space of the pelvis. Once detached, the uterus is removed, with the exact surgical technique depending on your anatomy and the type of hysterectomy being performed.
Using the da Vinci Xi allows your surgeon to perform complex gynaecological surgery through small incisions. As a minimally invasive approach, robotic-assisted hysterectomy may offer benefits including reduced scarring, less blood loss and a shorter recovery compared with open surgery, but your consultant will advise whether it is appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about robotic hysterectomy
A hysterectomy may be recommended for several gynaecological conditions, including uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, persistent heavy bleeding, endometriosis and uterine prolapse. Hysterectomy can also form part of the treatment for certain gynaecological cancers.
Whether surgery is appropriate will depend on your diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatment and individual circumstances.
Both are minimally invasive forms of keyhole surgery. During conventional laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon directly handles long instruments inserted through small abdominal incisions.
During a robotic hysterectomy, your surgeon controls articulated instruments using a robotic surgical system. The da Vinci Xi also provides a magnified 3D view of the surgical area. Importantly, the robot does not perform the operation independently – every movement is controlled by your surgeon.
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic. Small incisions are made in your abdomen to introduce a camera and robotic instruments. Your surgeon then carefully separates the uterus from the surrounding tissues and blood vessels before removing it.
The details of your operation will depend on whether you are having a total or subtotal hysterectomy and whether any other structures, such as the fallopian tubes or ovaries, are being removed.
Robotic hysterectomy positioning is designed to give your surgeon safe access to the pelvis. During surgery, you will usually lie on your back with your legs supported, and the operating table may be tilted so that your head is lower than your pelvis.
You will be under general anaesthetic throughout the procedure, and the theatre team carefully monitors and supports your body while you are in this position.
Robotic surgery is performed through several small abdominal incisions rather than one large open incision. Initially, the scars may appear pink, red or darker than the surrounding skin before gradually fading as they heal.
The appearance of healed robotic hysterectomy scars varies between individuals and depends on factors including skin type and the way your body heals. Your clinical team will advise you on caring for your incisions after surgery.
Recovery varies depending on your health, the reason for your hysterectomy and the extent of surgery performed. A robotic approach may allow a quicker recovery than traditional open abdominal surgery, but a hysterectomy remains a significant operation and you should allow your body time to heal.
Your clinical team will advise you when you can gradually return to work, driving, exercise, lifting and other normal activities.
Not necessarily. If your ovaries remain in place, they can continue producing hormones even though you will no longer have periods.
If both ovaries are removed before you have naturally reached the menopause, you will experience surgical menopause. Your consultant will discuss this with you before surgery if removal of your ovaries is being considered.