Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Services
Women's Medicine Collaborative

FAQs about Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Services

How long will I stay in the hospital after my robot-assisted surgery?

Most patients are discharged the day after their surgery.

How many scars will I have on my abdomen?

Robotic surgery usually requires three to six incisions measuring less than a half inch each. Some patients may qualify for single-site surgery with only a small 2-inch abdominal incision.

How do I take care of the incisions? Are there staples or stitches?

Incisions are usually closed with “invisible” stitches that dissolve over time. There is nothing that needs to be removed. Incisions will be covered with a surgical glue barrier or surgical tape. Patients can shower and wet the incisions the day after surgery, but should avoid a tub bath for a month.

 

While using the robot, can the surgeon feel anything inside the patient?

The system relays some force feedback sensations from the surgery site to the surgeon. This is a substitute for tactile sensation.

Does the robot ever stop functioning during surgery?

Reports of malfunction are rare. If a problem occurs, a procedure can be converted to a laparoscopy or traditional abdominal incision.