All around the world, women suffer from many types of gynaecological cancers. Cervical Cancer is one of the most common types of gynaecological cancer that occur to women in fast cities, states and countries across the world. Robotic-assisted Surgery (RAS) is revolutionising gynaecological oncology, providing a precise and less invasive way to treat certain stages of cervical cancer due to improved technology within the medical field. RAS improves surgical accuracy, decreases complication rates, and increases recovery time for patients undergoing RAS procedures compared with traditional surgical methods. I, Dr Priyanka Batra, have experienced that most women don’t have much idea about this type of cancer. In this blog, I will discuss the importance of robotic surgery for cervical cancer, including its benefits.
What is Cervical Cancer in Gynaec Oncology?
The cervix connects the top of the vagina to the bottom of the uterus, where cervical cancer begins. In most cases, surgery is the first-line treatment for patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Historically, surgery was done through large incisions on the abdomen using an open approach. This type of surgery usually meant patients took longer to recover from their surgery than those who had undergone robotic-assisted or laparoscopic procedures. Today, robotic-assisted surgery is available as a treatment for early-stage cervical cancer and some locally advanced forms of cervical cancer when performed by a skilled gynecologic oncologist. I have worked as a robotic surgeon for cancer for a very long time. My career journey has helped me to discover that it is a very effective cancer treatment process. You will just need to connect with an expert surgeon.
What Is Robotic Surgery for Cervical Cancer?
- Minimally invasive performing gynecological procedures through robotics is an increasingly popular method in the treatment of Gynocological Cancers.
- Robotic-assisted systems give the surgeon the ability to control robotic arms positioned above the patient’s abdomen. This allows the surgeon to use extremely precise instruments with a very sharp view of the surgical field from a three-dimensional camera viewed through the console.
- The robot is not a stand-alone operating system, and no part of the procedure can be completed without the surgeon’s control.
What are the common Robotic Procedures in Cervical Cancer?
- Radical hysterectomy.
- Staging procedures.
- Fertility-sparing surgery.
- Pelvic lymph node dissection.
What are the key Benefits of Robotic Surgery in Gynaecological Cancer?
- Robotic instruments can move more freely than the human hand, allowing for very precise movement when performing surgery—this is especially important because pelvic structures are particularly delicate.
- The use of small incisions, which results in less blood loss, less postoperative pain and minimal scarring, is beneficial for many patients.
- Patients who undergo robotic surgery for many types of gynaecological cancer usually have lower rates of infection, less damage to nearby organs, and heal faster than those receiving traditional open surgeries.
- According to my experience, more than half of the patients will return to their homes after 1-3 days, compared to the 1-2 weeks usually required after performing open surgery.
- And because recovery will be quicker for women undergoing robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery, they can return to their daily activities and responsibilities related to work, family and others sooner than they would if they had undergone an open surgical procedure.
What is the procedure of robotic surgery?
- Preoperative Evaluation
- The gynecologic oncologist evaluates imaging studies, biopsy findings, and staging.
- Anaesthesia and Configuration
- Surgery is performed with the patient under general anaesthesia, and small incisions open the abdominal wall for access.
- Robotic-Assisted Procedure
- The surgeon uses robotic arms to perform a precise removal of cancerous tissue while carefully preserving normal anatomical structures.
- Completion and Closure of the Procedure
- Once the procedure has been completed, all instrumentation is removed, and small suture closures are made to the abdominal incisions.
As robotic techniques advance, we are witnessing significant outcomes with respect to the diagnosis of cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers. With continued research on robotic technology, combined with the development of advanced robotics capabilities through enhanced operative skills, the role of robotics as a primary methodology for providing a personalised or patient-centred approach to treating gynaecological cancer is rapidly increasing. Robotic surgery has revolutionised how gynaecological cancers such as cervical cancer are treated, providing women with a significantly more effective/safer, precise and less invasive option for surgical treatment of these diseases.
When a qualified robotic gynaecologic surgeon performs the surgery, the potential for success from an oncological standpoint is excellent while also maintaining a good quality of life. Dr Priyanka Batra, a high-level robotic gynaecological cancer surgeon, brings a combination of advanced robotic surgical skills together with extensive clinical experience to each procedure.
Additionally, Dr Batra’s focus is on achieving effective surgical removal of the cancerous tissue but also on providing each woman under her care with a fast recovery time, minimal post-operative discomfort and long-term well-being. Also, Dr Priyanka Batra is committed to providing women with the highest level of innovation, precision and quality of care. In this regard, by providing the highest quality of robotic surgery care tailored to the unique needs of each patient, Dr Batra has effectively guided women as they take their first steps through their cancer journey and has provided confidence in their ability to use robotic surgery for the management of their disease.