10 Dec How to Choose the Right Robotic Gynaecology Surgeon
Choosing a surgeon for your gynaecological care is one of the most important health decisions you will make. And when you’re considering robotic surgery — whether for fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, or hysterectomy — selecting the right surgeon can make all the difference in your safety, recovery, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.
Robotic surgery offers women the precision of advanced technology with the gentleness of minimally invasive care. Across Australia, robotic technology is becoming more available for women’s health, and more hospitals are investing in advanced systems like the Da Vinci Xi — with the Da Vinci SP now approved and beginning to enter the country. But even with the best platform, outcomes still depend heavily on the expertise, experience, and philosophy of the surgeon.
Access also varies widely between states, hospitals, and specialists. So how do you know you’re choosing the right surgeon?
Key Takeaways
- High-volume robotic surgeons generally achieve smoother operations and fewer complications.
- Minimally invasive gynaecology should be prioritised whenever safely possible.
- Training, mentorship, and robotic expertise significantly influence surgical outcomes.
- Choose a surgeon experienced in managing your specific condition, especially complex cases.
- Clear communication, trust, and alignment with your personal goals are essential.
- Hospital technology, robotic platform availability, and surgical team experience affect the safety and efficiency of care.
1. Ask About Experience — Volume Really Matters
Robotic surgery requires consistent, high-volume practice. Surgeons who perform more robotic cases each year tend to have:
- smoother, faster operations
- fewer complications
- lower conversion-to-open rates
- better outcomes overall
In Australia, robotic volumes can vary significantly between specialists.
Ask your surgeon:
“How many robotic cases do you perform each year, for which conditions?”
Look for someone who performs robotic surgery regularly, not just occasionally alongside other approaches.
2. Choose a Surgeon Who Prioritises Minimally Invasive Surgery
Not all gynaecologists approach surgery the same way. Some still default to open surgery — even when robotic or laparoscopic techniques would offer a safer, gentler option.
Choose a surgeon who:
- prioritises minimally invasive approaches whenever possible
- uses open surgery only when absolutely necessary
- can explain clearly why robotic surgery is suitable for your situation
A surgeon committed to minimally invasive care is far more likely to advocate for your quality of life — less pain, fewer scars, and quicker return to the things you love.
3. Ask About Their Training and Mentorship
The best robotic surgeons have:
- formal robotic training
- proctorship or mentorship under experienced robotic surgeons
- ongoing professional development
- involvement in robotic surgical communities or teaching
Surgeons who teach, mentor, or proctor others typically maintain exceptionally high standards in their own practice.
4. Check That They Are Experienced in Your Specific Condition
Not every robotic surgeon handles every condition with the same level of sophistication.
If you have:
- large fibroids
- previous surgeries
- severe endometriosis
- adenomyosis
- need for fertility-preserving surgery
…you want a surgeon who regularly performs complex robotic cases, not just straightforward hysterectomies.
Ask:
“How often do you perform robotic surgery for conditions similar to mine?”
5. Evaluate Communication and Trust
A great surgeon doesn’t just operate well — they communicate well.
You should feel:
- heard
- respected
- informed
- supported
A good surgeon explains your options clearly, respects your preferences, answers your questions with patience, and ensures you understand every step. Your concerns should never feel dismissed. They are transparent about risks, benefits, and alternatives.
You should walk away feeling supported, not overwhelmed.
6. Consider Hospital Access and Technology
Robotic access varies by state. Some public hospitals have robotic programs; others don’t. Many procedures are available in private hospitals but may involve out-of-pocket costs.
Check:
- the hospital’s access to the latest robotic platform (including new technologies like Da Vinci SP where available)
- whether the hospital has a dedicated robotic team
- your private health cover and potential gaps
- availability of robotic surgery in your region
A well-supported robotic program contributes to safer, more efficient surgery.
7. Look for Transparency About Outcomes
High-quality robotic surgeon will be open about:
- their complication rates
- conversion-to-open rates
- expected recovery times
- likelihood of preserving uterus or fertility (if relevant)
Honesty builds trust — and trust builds confidence.
8. Choose a Surgeon Who Values Uterus Preservation (When Safe)
Some surgeons are quick to recommend hysterectomy in women who have completed their family with benign conditions such as fibroids. Others offer uterus-preserving options, such as robotic myomectomy or excision surgery, when appropriate.
If keeping your uterus matters to you, choose a surgeon who prioritises:
- robotic myomectomy
- excision of endometriosis
- fertility preservation
- minimally invasive alternatives
Choose a surgeon whose values align with your goals — especially if you want to avoid hysterectomy.
9. Seek Recommendations — But Make Your Own Decision
Word of mouth from GPs, friends, or online communities can be helpful, but remember:
The best surgeon for someone else may not be the best surgeon for you.
Focus on:
- their experience
- their philosophy of care
- your comfort with them
This is your health — trust your instincts.
10. Choose Someone Who Believes You Deserve the Best
Robotic surgery is not “experimental” or “luxury care.” It’s modern, precise, minimally invasive surgery that can offer faster recovery, fewer complications, and better outcomes for many gynaecological conditions.
You deserve a surgeon who:
- believes women should have access to the best technology
- advocates for minimally invasive care
- is highly trained and experienced
- respects your goals
- puts your wellbeing first
Choosing the right robotic gynaecology surgeon can transform not just your surgery, but your confidence, recovery, and long-term health.
Is Dr Kent Kuswanto the Right Robotic Gynaecology Surgeon for you?
Dr Kent Kuswanto is a specialist gynaecology surgeon based in Melbourne, he specialises in complex minimally invasive gynaecological surgery and robotic surgery. Kent has extensive experience in treating women with a full range of gynaecological problems including abnormal heavy or irregular periods, ovarian cysts, fibroids, uterine polyps, adenomyosis and endometriosis. Kent strongly believes in patient centred care and building a doctor patient relationship based on respect, trust and honesty. The best treatment plan arises when options are discussed thoroughly and tailored to the individual patient based on their unique circumstances.
Kent achieved qualification to perform robotic surgery independently – Certificate of da Vinci System Training in 2015. He is now a proctor for the da Vinci Robotic System in Australia, he is qualified to supervise and mentor other gynaecologists to adopt this technique into their practice. He is recognised for advancing robotic gynaecological surgery in Australia. Kent was also the first in Australia to perform gynaecological surgery using the da Vinci SP (Single Port) system, marking a significant advancement in minimally invasive surgical care. This approach is now available to selected patients at Epworth Hospital Melbourne, currently the only hospital in the country with access to the da Vinci SP system.