How exactly does robotic surgery differ from traditional surgery?

Written by: Mr Gautam Mehra
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

Robotic surgery is becoming the ever-popular choice these days when it comes to deciding between either that or traditional surgery. Here, Mr Gautam Mehra, a highly revered consultant gynaecologist, gynaecological oncologist, and gynaecological surgeon, explains how robotic surgery differs from traditional surgery, and outlines the associated potential risks.

How does robotic surgery differ from traditional surgery?

Robotic surgery involves making small incisions, whereas traditional surgery involves making one large incision.

 

What are the most common procedures carried out by robotic surgery in gynaecology?

The most common type of robotic surgery is a hysterectomy, which can be performed to treat cancer and benign conditions. Also, fibroids, endometriosis, fertility preserving surgery, and ovarian cancer can all be treated by robotic surgery.

 

What risks and complications may occur?

Damage to the ureter can occasionally occur. Bleeding during surgery, damage to the urinary tract and bowel, and infection are all also very small risks. There is also a minimal risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs.

 

Rarely, women can develop hernias, but again, this is quite rare. When women are undergoing surgery for cancer, they can develop a condition whereby the lymph nodes are removed.

 

What is recovery like for gynaecological patients after having robotic surgery?

Pain after robotic surgery is much less when compared to traditional surgery. About 90 per cent of patients will go home the following day. Most patients are up and about the same day, ready to get back to their daily routine. We recommend that women avoid lifting anything heavier than a kettle for up to four weeks while the tissues are still healing.

 

The average person who undergoes a major robotic-assisted operation will generally return to work after four weeks, but of course, this depends on the individual.

 

Make sure you book an appointment with Mr Gautam Mehra today via his Top Doctors profile if you would like to find out more about robotic surgery.

By Mr Gautam Mehra
Obstetrics & gynaecology

Mr Gautam Mehra is a highly experienced consultant gynaecologist, gynaecological oncologist, and gynaecological surgeon in London. His speciality focuses are fibroids, endometriosis, irregular periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), as well as laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Mr Mehra currently practises at his two private clinics in addition to his work with the NHS.

After receiving his primary medical qualification in 1996 from the University of Mysore, Mr Mehra underwent his core training in London and at other London centres such as St Bartholomew’s, St George’s, Queen Charlotte’s, and Chelsea & Hammersmith Hospitals. In 2006, he received his membership with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. To further his specialisation, Mr Mehra undertook many advanced trainings, especially in various forms of gynaecological surgery.

In 2012, Mr Mehra had completed two trainings at cancer centres and was additionally awarded the International Fellowship for Indian College of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (ICOG) the same year. In 2023, Mr Mehra completed his PhD in robotics from King's College London as part of the Department of Informatics (Centre of Robotic Research -CoRe). His research involved making medical robots more receptive using a specialised technology known as haptic technology.

Mr Mehra is incredibly involved in his field outside of his practices, as he is the lead for many teams, such as for the Gynaecology Rapid-Access one-stop outpatient clinic at GSTT and the Gynaecology group in the Genetic clinic for BRCA mutation careers at risk of Gynaecological cancer and offers counselling. He continues to conduct research and is interested in the application of sensor probes in detecting gynaecological cancers and other benign gynaecological conditions, as well as bettering tactile sensation during laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Mr Mehra has introduced a robotic programme at Guys' and St Thomas' Hospital, where he also is the lead for robotic surgery.

Additionally, Mr Mehra has had publications in many peer-reviewed journals on gynaecology and gynaecological cancers and has been invited to present at national and international scientific meetings and has co-authored a textbook in laparoscopic surgery. Furthermore, he has been extensively involved in training roles for future surgeons and gynaecologists. Presently, Mr Mehra is the preceptor for Advanced Training Skills Module in Gynaecological Oncology in London deanery for postgraduate doctors.

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