When patients hear the term “robotic surgery,” it’s not uncommon for imaginations to run wild—cue visions of a robot operating independently in the OR. But that couldn’t be further from the truth (well, at least for now!). Robotic-assisted surgery, which is what we offer at Pacific Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery, is an advanced minimally invasive surgical technique that allows the surgeon to operate with greater precision, flexibility, and visualization.

What Is Robotic-Assisted Surgery?

During robotic surgery, your surgeon is in full control at all times. Using the Da Vinci robotic system, we sit at a specialized console in the operating room and control small, wristed instruments that move in ways and small spaces that the human hand cannot. A high-definition 3D camera provides magnified, detailed views of the anatomy, allowing for extremely precise work—especially important when treating a condition like endometriosis, where disease can be deeply embedded and difficult to visualize.

Why We Use Robotic Surgery for Endometriosis

Excision surgery for endometriosis requires meticulous technique. The disease can affect multiple organs and delicate structures throughout the pelvis, making visualization and access critically important. The Da Vinci robotic system enhances both, allowing us to:

• See more clearly with high-definition, three-dimensional imaging
  • Move with greater precision and dexterity than standard laparoscopic instruments
  • Access difficult-to-reach areas of the pelvis without requiring a larger incision

These advantages can be especially helpful during complex cases or surgeries involving the bowel, bladder, or other areas of deeply infiltrating endometriosis.

Minimally Invasive Surgery: Robotic vs. Laparoscopic

Both robotic and traditional laparoscopic surgery are forms of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), meaning they avoid the large incisions used in open abdominal surgery. A minimally invasive approach offers several important benefits, including faster recovery, less postoperative pain, lower risk of infection and blood clots, and a reduced risk of adhesions.

The choice between robotic and laparoscopic surgery often comes down to surgeon training, experience, and preference. Some endometriosis specialists operate laparoscopically, while others prefer a robotic approach. Both techniques are effective tools for treating endometriosis. What matters most is not the platform itself, but the experience and expertise of the surgeon using it.

What to Expect with Robotic Surgery

In most cases, patients undergoing robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery will have four small incisions, each approximately one centimeter in size. These incisions allow placement of the robotic instruments and camera and are also used to remove tissue specimens during surgery.

In more complex cases, we may make an additional small incision for another robotic instrument, called a “fourth arm,” to help facilitate the procedure. If a segmental bowel resection is required, the general surgeon we collaborate with will typically make a slightly larger incision to remove the affected segment of bowel.

The Bottom Line

At Pacific Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery, we use robotic-assisted surgery because it provides the precision, visualization, and control needed to treat endometriosis—even in its most complex forms. Our goal is always the same: to thoroughly excise disease while minimizing trauma to surrounding structures and supporting a smoother recovery.

We understand that robotic-assisted surgery can seem intimidating at first, and many patients have questions about what the technology actually means for their care.  During your consultation, we’re happy to explain the technology we use, discuss our surgical approach, and help you understand how robotic-assisted surgery supports our commitment to thoughtful, minimally invasive endometriosis treatment.