Laparoscopy & robotic surgery

Aurora Health Care specializes in laparoscopy and robotic surgery. These minimally invasive surgical approaches can treat a variety of health needs, including:

• Gynecologic tumors
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy, including single incision hysterectomy
• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic prolapse
• Ovarian cysts, endometriosis and uterine fibroids

Laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery offer smaller incisions than traditional surgery. You will return to daily activities in less time and with less discomfort.

The benefits of minimally invasive surgery

Betsy Winga, M.D., shares the advantages of laparoscopy and robotic surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery

Aurora’s highly trained surgeons perform most gynecologic surgical procedures with either laparoscopy or robotic surgery. The success of our program depends on:

• Dedicated, specialized care teams including operating room and recovery nurses. These professionals provide expert care for people undergoing laparoscopy and robotic surgery. They have the experience and the tools to ensure an excellent outcome for you.
• Consistency of care. Our enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program focuses on multiple elements of care. ERAS ensure a safe procedure and fast, complete recovery. Every team member follows these protocols for every procedure.

Laparoscopic & robotic surgery services

Minimally invasive surgery techniques include:

Laparoscopy

A surgeon creates very small abdominal incisions, then inserts a thin video camera and surgical instruments through the incisions. The surgeon views the surgical site on a video monitor and uses the special instruments to complete the surgery. Single-incision laparoscopy uses a single incision hidden in the belly button, which means there's less pain and no visible scarring.

Robotic surgery

This technique combines laparoscopic surgery techniques with the agility and accuracy of robotic arms. The robotic arms turn the surgeon’s moves into smaller movements, allowing for delicate work in tiny spaces.

Our surgeons perform robotic-assisted single incision hysterectomy through a small incision in your belly button. These procedures allow for minimally noticeable scar-free results.

Vaginal surgery

This method uses small incisions in the vagina to perform minimally invasive surgery. A vaginal hysterectomy removes the uterus through these incisions so there is no visible scarring. Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists prefer this method for hysterectomy because of its lower surgical risk compared to other methods.

FAQ about laparoscopy & robotic surgery

Which conditions can minimally invasive surgery techniques treat?

We use these procedures for a variety of women’s health concerns, including fibroids, pelvic prolapse, IVF and fertility treatments, urinary incontinence and gynecological cancers.

Why is minimally invasive surgery safer and what are the benefits?

Traditional surgeries require a long incision made through muscle, resulting in large scars and a longer recovery time. Laparoscopy and robotic surgery use smaller incisions so the surgeon can avoid cutting through muscle. The result is less tissue damage, shorter hospitalization and recovery time, and less noticeable scars. Because minimally invasive surgery uses video-assisted equipment, it can be more accurate.

Are there any risk factors with laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery?

Infection, bleeding and anesthesia-related problems are possible complications. However, because of the smaller incisions needed, your risk of infection and excessive blood loss is lower than with traditional open surgery.

What are the success rates of minimally invasive surgery compared with traditional surgery?

Laparoscopy and robotic surgery success rates are comparable to traditional surgeries.

Can anyone be a candidate for laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery?

Many factors determine if you’re eligible for a minimally invasive surgery. The location and type of procedure, your general health, as well as your size — some larger women may not be candidates — are indicators for whether you are eligible.

What should I look for when selecting a laparoscopic surgeon or robotic surgeon?

Experience is the key. Studies show that the more procedures a surgeon performs, the higher the chance of better outcomes. Ask your surgeon how many times he or she has performed your specific procedure.

Does health insurance cover the cost of minimally invasive surgery?

Yes, most health insurance plans cover minimally invasive surgery. Please contact your insurance company with specific questions about your medical plan.

Spotlight on robotic surgery

Our surgeons perform a high volume of robotic cases, and this experience means better outcomes for you. In fact, when combining robotic gynecologic surgery cases from Aurora West Allis Medical Center and Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, our surgeons have performed the highest number of robotic surgeries for women in the United States since 2007.