Revised 2021


What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is a form of laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery, usually performed in an outpatient setting. Small incisions, about a half inch each, are made in the abdomen that allow a surgeon to place a laparoscope (lighted camera) and surgical instruments through surgical incisions below the belly button. The laparoscope then goes inside the abdomen or pelvis in order to perform surgery. In traditional laparoscopy, a surgeon holds those instruments and directly places them through the incisions. The instruments can move forward and backward and can be opened and closed.

In robotic surgery, the same incisions are made and instruments are placed, but the instruments are usually held in place by “robotic arms.” The surgeon controls the robotic arms and instruments from a control center or “console” several feet away from the patient but in the same operating room. The console can also be controlled from a remote location.

What are the advantages of robotic surgery compared to traditional laparoscopy?

Compared to traditional laparoscopy, robotic surgery has several advantages. First of all, the console uses high-definition cameras so the surgeon’s view inside the abdomen and pelvis is clearer. Also, the surgeon’s depth perception is better during surgery because the view is 3-dimensional as opposed to traditional laparoscopy, which is 2-dimensional. Control of the instruments in robotic surgery is better than in traditional laparoscopy because the instruments in robotic surgery can move in any direction that the surgeon’s hand can move. This better control means the surgeon can perform more precise movements and speed up or slow down hand movements, and it allows for easy suturing (sewing) and knot tying.

What are the advantages of robotic surgery compared to laparotomy (open incision)?

Compared to laparotomy (open incision), robotic surgery is less invasive. During robotic surgery, the incisions are smaller, and healing occurs in 1 to 2 weeks as opposed to 4 to 6 weeks for a laparotomy. Also, during robotic laparoscopy, the 3-dimensional high-definition camera gives the surgeon a better overall view of the surgical field and the back of the pelvis and allows for more magnification than only the surgeon’s eyes during a laparotomy.

During robotic surgery, the surgeon has less tactile feel of the tissue. When more than one robotic arm is used, movement can be limited. Since the surgeon controls the robotic arms, there is less opportunity for surgical assistants to help during surgery. Also, the time that it takes to perform robotic surgery can be longer than traditional laparoscopy or laparotomy. Because of this longer time, the time under anesthesia may be increased, which can lead to more potential risk for the patient.

What are the most common surgical procedures performed by robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery in gynecology is often used to perform hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), myomectomy (removal of fibroids), incontinence (inability to hold urine) procedures, tubal reconstruction procedures (repair of the fallopian tubes), removal of endometriosis (growth of tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus outside of the uterus in the pelvic cavity), removal of pelvic masses, oncologic (cancer) procedures. In particular, the improved and suturing and knot tying allows for removal of small or large fibroids that would otherwise require a laparotomy. The improved accuracy of instruments allows for the removal of lymph nodes for cancer treatment and of scar tissue from endometriosis. Theoretically, robotic surgery can be performed in place of any laparoscopy and in place of many laparotomies.

Is robotic surgery right for everyone?

No. Your doctor must determine whether you are a good candidate for robotic surgery. This decision is based on the planned procedure, your surgical history, the condition that needs treatment, the shape of your pelvis, and the experience of your surgeon. Even when a patient is a good candidate for robotic surgery, it may not be possible to complete the surgery robotically for one of several reasons. It is important to make an individualized decision about any surgery you might need.

Fact Sheets/Booklets

View more fact sheets and booklets written by the ASRM Patient Education Committee.
Patient Factsheet teaser

Menopausal Transition (Perimenopause): What Is It?

The menopausal transition (perimenopause) is the period that links a woman’s reproductive (childbearing) years and menopause.
Patient Factsheet teaser

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions of having low bone mass (density).
Patient Factsheet teaser

Hyperprolactinemia (High Prolactin Levels)

Prolactin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland which sits at the bottom of the brain.
Patient Factsheet teaser

Stress and infertility

It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility.

Resources For You

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is committed to providing patients with the highest quality information about reproductive care.

Surgery (reproductive)

Patient Ed Icon

Conditions Treated with Surgery on the Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries

Surgery can be used to treat problems with the ovaries or fallopian tubes, such as cysts, endometriosis, or infections. View the Fact Sheet
Patient Ed Icon

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

“Dilation and curettage” (D&C) is a short surgical procedure that removes tissue from your uterus (womb). You may need this procedure if you have unexplained or abnormal bleeding or if you have delivered a baby and placental tissue remains in your womb. View the Fact Sheet
Patient Ed Icon

Minimally invasive surgery

Surgery is termed “minimally invasive” if it uses small or no incisions (cuts). View the fact sheet
Patient Ed Icon

Nonhormonal Contraception

Despite a large number of contraceptive options available to couples, it is still thought that 50% of pregnancies in the United States are unintended. View the fact sheet
Patient Ed Icon

Treatment of uterine fibroids

Do all fibroids require treatment? Not usually, because most patients with fibroids do not have symptoms. View the fact sheet
Patient Ed Icon

Varicocele

A varicocele is a variation of normal anatomy in which veins in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles) become enlarged and sometimes even visible. View the fact sheet
Patient Ed Icon

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a form of laparoscopy. View the fact sheet
Podcast Icon

SART Fertility Experts - What is an REI?

These experts in infertility lead IVF programs, perform reproductive surgery, and perform research to enhance the field of reproductive medicine. Listen to the Episode
Podcast Icon

SART Fertility Experts - Tubal Surgery in the IVF Era

In this episode of SART Fertility Experts, Dr. Brad Hurst and Dr. Mark Trolice, to review the indications for tubal surgery. Listen to the Episode
Patient Ed Icon

Infertility: an Overview (booklet)

Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Patient Ed Icon

Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy

Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy can be used for both diagnostic (looking only) and operative (looking and treating) purposes. View the booklet

Find a Health Professional

Connect with reproductive medicine experts who will guide you through your unique journey. Our search tool allows personalized matches based on location, specialization, and expertise. Take control of your reproductive health with compassionate providers, innovative treatments, and unwavering support.
Search for an Expert
Healthcare professional eager to help a patient