Robotic fertility surgery helps patients overcome fertility challenges

The doctors at our Tennessee fertility center use robotic fertility surgery to help female patients take the next step on their path to motherhood. This surgery is a type of laparoscopy that utilizes robotic arms to help the fertility specialist view a woman’s reproductive organs. It can also help the doctor take a biopsy and make certain repairs.

By using robotic arms to control the surgical instruments, fertility specialists can perform the surgery with greater precision and control. This often leads to exceptional results and minimizes any discomfort the patient might feel after the procedure.

The many benefits of robotic fertility surgery

More clinics are using this type of surgical evaluation of infertility, as it provides so many benefits. In addition to offering fertility doctors enhanced precision and control, robot-assisted laparoscopy can help women move past a range of barriers to motherhood. It also offers several other advantages.

Enhanced dexterity. As the robotic instruments allow for full 360-degree rotation, they offer more flexibility than the human hand. They also allow the doctor to access areas of the body that might have been inaccessible when performing the surgery without robotic assistance.

Less discomfort and bleeding. Because the robot assistance offers increased precision, many patients experience less discomfort and bleeding during recovery.

Offers helpful explanations. During this procedure, our Tennessee fertility center doctors can discover why a patient is having painful periods or intercourse, unexplained infertility or a range of other issues that affect her ability to conceive a healthy pregnancy.

Corrects fertility issues. During one of these procedures, the fertility specialist can use the robotic instruments to correct ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes and pelvic adhesions.

Smaller incision. A surgical evaluation of infertility using robot-assisted instruments typically requires a smaller incision than a traditional laparoscopic procedure.

We support patients in determining whether robotic fertility surgery meets their unique needs.

How fertility doctors use robotic fertility surgery

Before a woman receives laparoscopy, she’ll meet with one of our Tennessee fertility center doctors to discuss the typical protocol for this procedure. The doctor can also answer her questions during this time.

On the day of the laparoscopy, the woman receives general anesthesia before the doctor makes a small incision near her belly button. He or she then inserts a thin tube (a cannula) through the incision before inflating the abdomen with carbon dioxide to increase visibility.

Next, using a computer, the doctor begins controlling the robotic arms that hold the surgical instruments. He or she uses the robotic arms to pass a small telescope through the incision. The telescope transmits images to a video monitor, allowing the doctor to receive a comprehensive view of the woman’s reproductive organs. The doctor can also use the robotic arms to take a biopsy and make certain repairs.

After they remove the telescope, the doctor closes the incision with stitches or surgical tape. The patient can return home shortly after the surgery, and she will need to rest for two to three days.

Following recovery, the patient will have a post-operative appointment with her doctor to discuss the results of the procedure and plan the next steps. The primary goal is to get the woman past her fertility challenges so that she can build her family.