If you’ve been told you may need gynecologic surgery, whether it’s for fibroids, endometriosis or a hysterectomy, it’s natural to have questions. What is recovery like? Will there be scarring? Is there a less invasive option?
While robotic surgery might sound a little science-fiction, it’s a trusted and widely used approach in gynecologic care. With tiny incisions, faster healing and minimal pain, robotic-assisted procedures help many patients recover quicker and get back to life sooner. And it’s still your surgeon controlling every move.
“Part of the reason I got into robotic surgery is because this is the way of the future,” says Ty Bennett Robinson, DO, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Obstetrics and Gynecology Pinewest at Westwood. “It’s been around for 20 plus years, and it keeps getting better.”
Real patients, real results
Across the field of women’s health, technology continues to quietly revolutionize care, and robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery is leading the charge. Patients often experience less pain, faster recovery and fewer visible signs of surgery, allowing them to return to daily life sooner.
Robinson recalls one of his earliest robotic cases, the moment that sealed his belief in robotic technology.
“The procedure was on a Wednesday,” Robinson says. “Traditionally, recovery meant four days in the hospital and narcotics for pain. But this patient went home within hours. When I ran into her at a local concert that Saturday and saw she was walking around and feeling great — that was the turning point for me. I was all in.”
These results aren’t rare. Many patients return home in hours and manage recovery with over-the-counter medication as needed.
Why choose robotics?
Robotic-assisted surgery is simply another tool skilled surgeons can use to treat a wide range of gynecologic conditions from hysterectomies and fibroid removal to certain oncology procedures and endometriosis treatment.
“Any gynecologic procedure we can do through traditional open surgery, we can usually do robotically,” Robinson says.
Instead of one large incision, patients typically have 3-4 tiny ones, each about 8 millimeters wide. That means less pulling and tension, reduced blood loss and minimal scarring. And in many cases, patients are back home the same day.
Robotic-assisted procedures also benefit the surgeon.
“Because we’re sitting at a console instead of standing over a table, there’s less physical fatigue than traditional surgery,” says Robinson. “That kind of comfort leads to more consistent, focused care, especially during longer, more complex procedures.”
Behind the Scenes: What it Takes to Perform Robotic Surgery
Despite the name, robotic-assisted surgery isn’t autonomous.
“Some patients hear the word ‘robot’ and picture a machine doing the work,” Robinson says. “But it’s my hands controlling everything, the robot doesn’t move unless I move it.”
The robotic tools operate like human wrists, giving surgeons more flexibility and control. The camera zooms in so closely it’s like having a magnifying glass inside the body, making it easier to spot tiny blood vessels and work with precision, without disturbing surrounding tissue.
Performing robotic-assisted surgery takes rigorous, hands-on training, observing procedures, completing courses, passing simulations and working under the guidance of experienced robotic surgeons.
“It’s like learning to drive a stick shift,” Robinson says. “At first, you’re aware of every movement. But over time, it becomes second nature. You’re just in the moment.”
Some providers even pursue additional training for highly specialized procedures, ensuring patients receive expert care with cutting-edge tools.
The future of minimally invasive care.
Robotic-assisted surgery isn’t necessary for every procedure, but it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice — and with good reason. The added precision, faster recovery and minimal scarring make it a powerful option for both patients and providers.
“This technology is fascinating, and it’s the way surgical care will continue to progress,” Robinson says.
Some patients may be unsure at first, simply because it sounds unfamiliar. But Robinson encourages patients to ask questions and do some research to understand how the approach works, and how it might benefit them.
“This is a great first step toward feeling more confident in your care,” Robinson says. “It may seem a little space-agey to some, but robotic-assisted surgery isn’t a new trend. It’s the future of minimally invasive care.”
If you’re curious about robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery, talk to your provider or find an Atrium Health Women’s Care expert near you.