The development of robotic surgery has resulted in major innovations in treating gynaecological cancer due to how robotic technology has vastly improved the treatment of cancer. Many women diagnosed with cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, or endometrium may be concerned about their treatment options and whether robotic surgery is an effective option to consider. Dr Priyanka Batra has extensive experience in robotic gynaecological cancer; therefore, the blog is from a specialist perspective to allow patients to make informed decisions regarding their preferred method of treatment.
Concept of Robotic Surgery in Gynaecological Cancer
- A surgeon performs robotic surgery via a console controller of robotic arms, thereby remotely manipulating the advanced computerised surgical apparatus.
- With robotic surgery methods, the robotic assistance does not perform surgery independently; rather, robotic surgery provides enhanced precision via computerised instrumentation under the complete guidance of an experienced surgeon.
- Robotic surgery is currently used for many procedures within the subspecialty of gynaecological oncology, including the treatment of endometrial (uterine) cancer, early-stage cervical cancer, ovarian cancer staging and selected procedures to debulk ovarian cancer, radical hysterectomy, and lymph node dissection.
- Robotic surgical technology allows for three-dimensional visualisation in high definition, enabling surgeons to perform complex pelvic surgery to remove tumours located deep within the pelvis where traditional laparoscopic or open surgical techniques may not provide the necessary access.
Safety of Gynaecological Cancers
- The safety and efficacy of robotic surgery in multiple studies have been established for several types of gynecologic malignancies. Specifically, robotic surgery has become the preferred method for performing surgical procedures for endometrial cancer on a worldwide basis.
- Additionally, while the robotic technologies themselves have proven to be safe and effective, a surgeon’s level of experience with using the robotic technologies, as well as the appropriateness for the patient based on oncological principles, play an equal role in surgical safety.
The suitability of Robotic Surgery in diversified types of cancers
- Endometrial cancer is one of the cancers that robotic surgery has proven to be an effective, safe method of treating; to do this, it will allow the physician to very precisely remove the uterus and ovaries, and have lymph nodes removed with less trauma to the surrounding tissues.
- Robotic surgery could potentially be offered as a treatment option for some cases of early-stage cervical cancer based on the current evidence suggesting that thoroughly reviewing each case will lead to the best long-term outcome for each patient, just as open surgical methods would. An oncologist who is skilled and knowledgeable will help to determine this.
- Robotic surgery will mainly be used for diagnostic purposes, staging purposes, and certain selected cases where they need to have early or interval debulking; complex or advanced forms of endometrial cancer will most likely need to be removed with the open surgical method in order to guarantee the best outcome from cancer removal.
The limitations of Robotics Surgery
- The cost of robotic-assisted surgical technology is usually higher than traditional surgical methods.
- There may be longer surgical times for some patients.
- Robotic surgical assistance is often not the best choice for all types of cancer.
- Robotic surgery requires specialised training and expertise.
Robotic surgery for cancer needs to be patient-focused and based on proven methods. Prior to the surgery, the process builds a foundation for safety. For example, complete staging of the cancer, review of all of the imaging that has been done to determine how best to deal with the cancer, and a complete discussion regarding any other health conditions that the person may have, or treatment options available. Additionally, having honest discussions with patients regarding their risks, benefits, and alternatives for robotic surgery, only proceeding if it can be performed with oncologic safety. Apart from that, she performs the surgery without compromising other patients’ ability of being able to recover and be treated for the cancer. It helps to adhere to the principles of cancer surgery to prevent the spread of cancer.
Robotic surgery is an extraordinary advancement in the treatment of gynaecological cancers and can lead to improved safety and recovery from a surgical procedure, but these advancements depend on many factors, including the quality of the decision to use robotic surgical assistance, surgical proficiency using robotic surgery, and general compassion for a patient’s well-being. Dr Priyanka Batra has received specialised robotic surgical training and provides safe, individualised, evidence-based gynaecological cancer treatment, empowering women with the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate their medical journey.