Robot-assisted surgery is no longer a vision of the future. It is a modern surgical method that is now widely used in gynecology, helping surgeons perform procedures with greater precision, a more delicate approach, and minimal trauma to surrounding tissue.

On April 17, Professor Dr. Ingolf Juhasz-Böss, Medical Director of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, spoke at the international online congress Innovative Technologies in Gynecology, Mammology, and Aesthetic Medicine. In his presentation, he explained how robot-assisted surgery is used in everyday clinical practice, from the treatment of fibroids and endometriosis to gynecologic oncology and other advanced minimally invasive procedures.

The robot does not replace the surgeon and does not operate independently. The procedure is performed entirely by the physician, using a system that provides a magnified 3D view, highly precise instrument control, and improved access in the complex anatomical structures of the pelvis.

Benefits for patients

• less pain after surgery
• gentler treatment of healthy tissue
• faster recovery
• shorter hospital stay
• in some cases, no visible abdominal scarring

Experience at the Department of Gynecology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg

In Freiburg, the robot-assisted surgery program using the da Vinci system was launched in 2020. While 67 procedures were performed in the department during the first year, the number exceeded 370 in 2025. As of April 2026, more than 100 robot-assisted procedures have already been carried out this year. These figures confirm one key point: robot-assisted gynecology has become a well-established part of modern clinical practice.

Robot-assisted surgery is used for:

• uterine fibroids
• endometriosis
• abnormal uterine bleeding
• pelvic organ prolapse
• endometrial cancer
• cervical cancer
• severe dysplasia
• early-stage ovarian tumors

The effectiveness of robot-assisted surgery depends not only on the technology itself, but also on the training and expertise of the surgical team. Professor Juhasz-Böss emphasizes that this technique cannot be mastered in a single day. Before performing an independent procedure, the surgeon completes simulation-based training, hands-on practice, and supervised mentoring. According to him, this preparation takes around 80 hours.

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Questions to ask your doctor if robot-assisted surgery is recommended

• Why is this method recommended in my case?
• What alternative treatment options are available?
• How much experience does the clinic have in performing these procedures?
• What will recovery after surgery look like?
• Does this technique offer specific benefits in my situation?