Robotic hysterectomy sounds modern and reassuring — but the device does not perform the surgery, the surgeon does. Asking these five questions before consenting protects you.
On this page
- 1. How many robotic hysterectomies has the surgeon personally performed?
- 2. Is the surgery for cancer or for benign disease?
- 3. What is the conversion-to-open rate at this centre?
- 4. Will sentinel lymph node mapping be used?
- 5. What is the post-discharge follow-up protocol?
Questions before robotic hysterectomy — 1. How many robotic hysterectomies has the surgeon personally performed?
Outcomes correlate with surgeon volume. A fellowship-trained gynaec-oncologist who has personally performed 100+ robotic radical hysterectomies has measurably better outcomes than one with under 25. Ask directly — surgeons should be comfortable sharing volume.
2. Is the surgery for cancer or for benign disease?
Simple robotic hysterectomy for benign disease (fibroids, adenomyosis) is performed by general gynaecologists. Radical robotic hysterectomy for cancer requires fellowship training in gynaecological oncology — it is a fundamentally different operation involving parametrium and lymph nodes.
3. What is the conversion-to-open rate at this centre?
Some robotic surgeries are converted to open mid-operation due to bleeding, adhesions or unexpected findings. Centres with high volume usually have low conversion rates (under 5%). Ask the centre, not just the surgeon.
4. Will sentinel lymph node mapping be used?
Modern radical hysterectomy for early cervical cancer often uses sentinel lymph node mapping with ICG fluorescence, which significantly reduces lymphedema risk compared with full pelvic lymphadenectomy. Confirm if this option is offered.
5. What is the post-discharge follow-up protocol?
A good surgical team has a clear follow-up plan: first review at 1-2 weeks, then 3-monthly for 2 years, then 6-monthly to 5 years. Ask who is responsible for follow-up, how to reach the surgeon for concerns, and what symptoms warrant immediate contact.
What to do next
Want a second opinion before scheduling robotic surgery? Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel offers independent review of proposed treatment plans. Call or WhatsApp +91 76988 00333.
Related
External reference: ESGO Cervical Cancer Surgical Recommendations.
FAQs
How many robotic hysterectomies has the surgeon personally performed?
Outcomes correlate with surgeon volume. A fellowship-trained gynaec-oncologist who has personally performed 100+ robotic radical hysterectomies has measurably better outcomes than one with under 25. Ask directly — surgeons should be comfortable sharing volume.
Is the surgery for cancer or for benign disease?
Simple robotic hysterectomy for benign disease (fibroids, adenomyosis) is performed by general gynaecologists. Radical robotic hysterectomy for cancer requires fellowship training in gynaecological oncology — it is a fundamentally different operation involving parametrium and lymph nodes.
What is the conversion-to-open rate at this centre?
Some robotic surgeries are converted to open mid-operation due to bleeding, adhesions or unexpected findings. Centres with high volume usually have low conversion rates (under 5%). Ask the centre, not just the surgeon.
Will sentinel lymph node mapping be used?
Modern radical hysterectomy for early cervical cancer often uses sentinel lymph node mapping with ICG fluorescence, which significantly reduces lymphedema risk compared with full pelvic lymphadenectomy. Confirm if this option is offered.
What is the post-discharge follow-up protocol?
A good surgical team has a clear follow-up plan: first review at 1-2 weeks, then 3-monthly for 2 years, then 6-monthly to 5 years. Ask who is responsible for follow-up, how to reach the surgeon for concerns, and what symptoms warrant immediate contact.
Reviewed by Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel, MBBS, DGO, DNB, Fellowship Gynaecological Oncology, ESGO-certified.