Is it safer to have laparoscopic or davinchi robot?

I have heard that College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recommended Laparoscopic over davinchi robot......stating safety concerns of a
'Burning' that is possible and lack of control vs laparoscopic procedure. Additionally, someone told me of several law suit issues related to this specific surgery...hysterectomy. Anyone know info about this or have experience? Surgeon recommend this robotic surgery and wants me to call to schedule surgery Monday. Please share any info you may have. Thank you all!

I think in general both surgeries are safe. What I think you should consider more strongly than lawsuits over da Vinci, is the experience and expertise of your surgeon. Ask your surgeon whether she/he has had any problems with control or whether she is as comfortable doing laparocopic surgery. BTW, the robotic surgery is a laparoscopic surgery. It is just done using a robot. The surgeon does have control. It is not like a video game, or like the robot does it itself. The surgeon carefully directs each movement of the robotic instrument. Don't believe a lot of hype. If it was dangerous, it wouldn't be used so often. I was very satisfied with my LAVH, and I also know many women here who were satisfied with their da Vinci hysterectomy as well. Find out what your surgeon does best and recommends for you and why.

sunrise

I had a davinci surgery and had no complications feom the surgery. As elsie mentioned what you want to do is become comfortable with the surgeon and their expertise va just the method of surgery.

Both surgeires ar minimally invasive - meaning their are smaller incisons.
Both surgeries use cauterization or burning to cut through tissue and close small bleeding sitea.
Both surgeries carry the risk of things being burnt such as ureters. Som drs stent the ureters for better visualization. In abdominal surgeries there is the risk of them being cut. So there is no risk free sugeries. Some drs will put fluid into the bladder to see if there are any knicks or cuts.
Robotic surgery allows the surgeon a less strained position over the patient, gives them 3d, 10x magnification and more direct contolr over more surgical tools than abdominal or regular laproscopic.

Things to ask your surgeoon -
How many surgeries have you done?
How were you trained in this surgical technique?.
What is your complication rate and what have the complications been?
How many times and why have you had to convert from a laproscopic to an abdominal procedure?

I hope this helps.

Watch the videos of the DaVinci system being used to do things like peel grapes and fold origami cranes so small they can fit on a dime without obscuring the face.

None of what I read, before or after my DaVinci hysterectomy, leads me to think there's a greater safety issue with the robotic system. The only criticism that hold any water, in my view, is that the added benefits of the DaVinci are not really *so great* in most cases as to justify the extra cost of the procedure versus an abdominal or laproscopic. It is pricey to go the robotic route and many insurance companies are loathe to cover the greater expense.

Every surgical procedure carries risks and, for me, the benefit of smaller incisions and less disruption of abdominal structure (muscles and fascia) was a major factor in my choice.

I agree - watch YouTube videos of all different kinds of procedures (only if you are not squeamish). I had da Vinci myomectomy and watching videos helped me feel confident in my choice. I could see the advantage over traditional laparoscopic and abdominal procedures.

Videos also helped me appreciate how much healing would be going on inside. With da Vinci or traditional laparoscopic, it's easy to think you've "healed" once the tiny incisions are healed, but seeing the videos lets you know there is a LOT more stuff going on inside so take it easy!! You only get one chance to heal right.

I'm not yet scheduled for my hyst - was originally scheduled for a TAH, but my low iron levels prompted my GYN to cancel the surgery (they were afraid of blood loss). I'll be seeing a GYN cancer specialist (my diagnosis is complex hyperplasia with atypia) on Thursday and they do a lot of laparascopic and Da Vinci surgeries.

I've watched a few videos of the Da Vinci surgeries (including one where they operated on a woman with an enlarged uterus - another condition I have) and I'm much more comfortable with the idea of the surgery now.

I agree on the need to be careful after the surgery - there is a LOT going on inside!

I have heard nothing but good things about the DaVinci method but I do know that my gynecologist personally prefers laparoscopicly. I'll find out why at my next appointment.

I'm also left wondering if one is preferable over the other, but imagine that much has to do with the individual surgeon's comfort and expertise with either method. If I can pass the pre-op for a minimal overnight stay then I'm getting mine done DaVinci style, but if they feel that I need more time in hospital because of my asthma & sleep apnea, then I'm getting it done laparoscopically at a different hospital. Good luck to you, whichever you decide!

Thank you so much for your excellent description of the procedures. And thank you to all of you that have taken the time to respond. My family and friends began mentioning the
Latest report from this medical journal or that one....and by the time they were all done......I've decided nothing. I haven't called surgeon back....my symptoms that never 'bothered' me before seem to be increasing daily. I appreciate greatly the support and success stories. Now they want me (family), to do a myo with laparoscopic. It is such a big decision and I wish I didn't have to make it. Hugs to all of you in the decision zone....