Robotic-assisted laparoscopic excision of endometriosis in Glasgow

Minimally invasive surgery with advanced robotics to help diagnose and treat endometriosis

woman suffering pelvic symptoms due to undiagnosed endometriosis

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to diagnose and treat endometriosis. This operation can help remove (surgical excision) endometriosis tissue to help alleviate symptoms and improve the condition.

During a laparoscopic excision of endometriosis, your consultant gynaecologist will make a few small incisions in your abdomen, typically around your navel and near your lower abdomen. They will then insert a laparoscope through one of the open incisions. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a camera and light at the end of it. This device allows your surgeon to view the inside of your body on a screen in real time with high magnification.

After identifying where the endometriotic tissue is, if there is any, your consultant will use specialised instruments to remove the abnormal tissue. The goal is to take away as much of the endometriosis tissue as possible while preserving your existing healthy tissue. After the excision is complete, the instruments will be removed, and the small incisions closed with stitches or surgical glue. The surgery can be performed with or without robotic assistance, depending on the technology and skills available.

A laparoscopic procedure is less invasive than traditional open surgery, leading to smaller scars, less pain, and a faster recovery.

Endometriosis is a common condition that occurs when tissue, similar to the lining of your uterus (endometrium), abnormally grows outside of your uterus. This abnormal tissue growth can cause pain, inflammation, and other distressing symptoms, often affecting your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining your pelvis.

Main symptoms of endometriosis

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are:

Severe pelvic pain
Heavy or irregular periods
Pain during intercourse
Pain during bowel movements and urination, particularly during your menstrual cycle
Fertility problems
Fatigue

Many other factors and conditions aside from endometriosis can cause symptoms, such as period pain, painful sex, and pain going to the toilet, and these all must be ruled out.

The only way to officially diagnose endometriosis is to have a laparoscopy to investigate the area. However, getting diagnosed can take a long time. For some women, it can take up to ten years to get an endometriosis diagnosis. The main reason for this is that signs of endometriosis are very similar to the symptoms of other conditions, such as uterine fibroids or adenomyosis. Diagnosing endometriosis can also be complicated, as people experience endometriosis differently and not everyone experiences the same symptoms.

Your consultant gynaecologist will work with you to understand your condition and ensure you get the care that you need to get diagnosed and treated.

At Ross Hall Hospital, we offer laparoscopy procedures incorporated with an advanced, robotic approach. This helps speed up your recovery period even more and can result in reduced levels of pain and discomfort following surgery.

The Da Vinci robotic surgical system

At Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow, our experienced gynaecological surgeons are highly experienced in using the Da Vinci robotic surgical system to perform a laparoscopic excision of endometriosis. This advanced technology offers numerous advantages, including a shorter recovery time and a quicker return to your daily routine after surgery.

The Da Vinci system is an advanced surgical tool that enables your surgeon to carry out minimally invasive procedures that offer significantly improved visual clarity compared with conventional surgery. During the operation, your surgeon will sit at a console near you in the operating room, where they will control a camera and specialist instruments with remarkable accuracy and precision. It is important to understand that the robot does not operate independently. Instead, your consultant has complete control over it.

The system mirrors every movement your surgeon makes in real time, manipulating instruments that move like a human hand but with greater precision and incredibly smooth motion.

Robotic treatment for endometriosis: through the eyes of a specialist

Dr Karina Datsun, Consultant Gynaecologist, gives her insight into the benefits of performing a robotic-assisted laparoscopy for those with endometriosis:

"Robotic surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery which allows for performing complex surgery with precision, dexterity and control. It is very beneficial for patients with endometriosis. Robotic surgery for endometriosis is associated with an increased likelihood of detecting a confirmed lesion, compared to the 2D laparoscope, improving effectiveness of treatment of endometriosis-related infertility and pelvic pain."

Robotic-assisted surgery provides several key benefits, including:

Advanced precision and control

Robotic-assisted surgery enables your surgeon to operate with greater precision and control compared to traditional surgical techniques. The system’s high-definition 3D visualisation and enhanced magnification offer a clearer, more detailed view of the surgical site.

Reduced post-surgery pain and discomfort

Robotic surgery aims to lessen the physical strain on your body. With smaller incisions, there is a decreased chance of infection and scarring. Since less tissue is affected, people can experience less pain and irritation after surgery, making the overall recovery experience more positive.

A faster recovery and return to your everyday life

One of the major benefits of robotic surgery is the potential for a quicker recovery. The minimally invasive approach, with smaller incisions, causes less trauma to your body, often resulting in a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to your normal activities. This includes work, exercise, and driving.

State-of-the-art technology lead by specialists

Robotic-assisted surgery merges the advanced skills of our surgeons with state-of-the-art surgical technology. This combination allows for more complex procedures to be performed more effectively. You can take advantage of the latest advancements in medical technology, leading to better outcomes and a lower risk of complications.

This procedure at Ross Hall Hospital starts from £10,643.

Paying for treatment in a way that works for you

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant’s outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.
If you have private health insurance, surgery will usually be covered by your provider. Speak to your insurer directly to find out.

When you choose to go private with Ross Hall Hospital, you can expect: