Da Vinci · Life Kingsbury Hospital

Robotic surgery.
Human expertise.

Another way to perform carefully selected gynaecological operations through small incisions.

I am credentialed to operate using the da Vinci system at Life Kingsbury Hospital in Cape Town. I offer robotic-assisted hysterectomy and pelvic organ prolapse repair, including selected complex repairs, with the approach chosen around your needs.

Discuss your options How it works

Dr Jan Adlam · Gynaecologist & Urogynaecologist

Dr Jan Adlam seated at the da Vinci surgical console. — Dr Jan Adlam at the da Vinci console.

01 / Understanding the system

Your surgeon guides every movement.

“Robotic” can sound as though a machine performs the operation by itself. The da Vinci system is a set of instruments that I control from a console in the same operating theatre.

The video below shows how the different parts fit together.

The technology, in motion

From my hands
to the instruments.

See the console, hand controls and wristed instruments in one short demonstration.

From console to instruments

My hands guide the movement.

I sit at the console and use hand controls to guide the instruments. A magnified, three-dimensional view helps me see the area where I am operating.

The robotic arms beside the operating table hold the camera and instruments, which reach the surgical area through small incisions.

The instruments have wrist-like joints. The system translates my hand movements into movements of these small instruments, which I use to handle tissue and place stitches.

18-second preview · Silent footage

This is a manufacturer demonstration. During your operation, I remain in control and you are cared for under general anaesthesia. The anaesthetist, nurses and surgical assistant remain involved throughout.

Demonstration footage provided by Intuitive, manufacturer of the da Vinci surgical system. Copyright © 2019 Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. View the original video at Intuitive (opens in a new tab) →

02 / Procedures I offer

Treatment tailored
to the problem.

The decision to operate comes first. We then consider which route is appropriate for you.

Uterus

Robotic hysterectomy

Removal of the womb through a keyhole approach, for selected conditions where hysterectomy is appropriate and other options have been considered.

After hysterectomy you cannot carry a pregnancy and periods stop. Removing the ovaries is a separate decision; they are not automatically removed with the womb.

Understanding hysterectomy

Pelvic support

Robotic-assisted prolapse repair

Operations to restore pelvic support, including selected complex repairs. The technique depends on which structures have lost support, any previous surgery, and whether you wish to keep your uterus.

Options I offer include sacrocolpopexy, hysteropexy (supporting the uterus while keeping it in place), and repairs using your own supporting ligaments, such as uterosacral ligament plication.

Some techniques use mesh; others use sutures and your own tissues. If mesh is proposed, we discuss its permanent nature, benefits, risks and alternatives before consent.

Understanding prolapse surgery

03 / A considered choice

The right approach starts with you.

The system can help with precise instrument control and suturing in the pelvis.

“If I needed pelvic surgery myself, and a robotic approach was suitable, it would be my preference.”
Dr Jan Adlam

For your care, we consider your diagnosis, previous operations, general health, anatomy, treatment goals and costs. Conventional laparoscopy, vaginal surgery or open surgery may be more appropriate. Depending on the condition, medicines, pelvic-floor treatment or a pessary may avoid or delay surgery.

04 / Before and after surgery

A clear plan, from consultation to recovery.

Consultation & assessment

We review your symptoms, examination findings and any relevant tests, then discuss alternatives and your priorities. Consultations are available in Claremont and in Simon’s Town on selected Mondays. I perform robotic surgery at Life Kingsbury Hospital. Reception confirms your consulting venue and any hospital arrangements.

Costs & medical aid

Ask for an individual estimate before booking surgery. Surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital charges may be separate, and robotic equipment or consumables can affect the total. Confirm authorisation, benefit limits and any shortfall with your medical aid; authorisation does not necessarily mean every cost is covered.

Fees and medical aid information

Preparation & recovery

You will receive instructions about medicines, fasting, admission and getting home. Recovery depends on the operation and your health, not just the size of the incisions. Plan help at home and follow your individual advice on activity, lifting, driving, sex and returning to work.

05 / Common questions

What patients often ask.

Does the robot make decisions?

No. I control the instruments and make the surgical decisions. The system does not perform the operation independently.

Can I choose robotic surgery?

You are welcome to ask about it. We first establish whether surgery is needed, then discuss whether a robotic approach offers a useful option for your particular operation.

Is robotic surgery available at Harbour Bay?

No. I perform robotic surgery at Life Kingsbury Hospital. You can consult me in Claremont or at Harbour Bay in Simon’s Town on selected Mondays, regardless of where you live. Reception confirms the correct venue for your consultation and any planned surgery.

How long will I be in hospital?

This depends on the procedure, your health and how you recover. We discuss the expected stay before surgery and review it afterwards; a small incision does not automatically mean a same-day discharge.

Your next step

Start with a conversation.

We can work through whether surgery is needed and which approach fits your situation.

Request a consultation

Further reading: RCOG: robotic surgery in gynaecology · Intuitive: how da Vinci works · NHS: hysterectomy · RCOG: pelvic organ prolapse.

General information to support your consultation. Your treatment and recovery plan are individual.