In addition to the usual surgical procedures on the prostate and kidneys, the Da Vinci system will soon be used at this hospital for its first gynaecological operations, which have not previously been performed in Croatia.
With the first hysteroscopic procedure performed in November, the International Medical Center Priora introduced new services for operative gynaecological procedures. This marked the start of implementing an entire range of surgical services in gynaecology, culminating in the use of the most advanced Da Vinci robotic system. The first Da Vinci robotic surgeries in Croatia were performed at IMC Priora in June 2024 in cases of prostate cancer. Alongside the standard procedures on the prostate and kidneys, the Da Vinci system will soon be used at this hospital for its first gynaecological operations, which have not yet been carried out anywhere in Croatia.
Hysteroscopy – Diagnosis and Immediate Removal of Abnormalities
Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic method in which a gynaecologist uses an endoscope (hysteroscope) to examine the inside of the uterus and, if needed, immediately remove abnormalities such as polyps or fibroids.
“Given that we have minimally invasive outpatient hysteroscopes and resectoscopes, and more recently the most advanced IBS system, Intrauterine Bigatti Shaver, our preference is for outpatient procedures and a swift return to everyday activities. Patients can choose how the procedure is performed: they may be briefly put to sleep, or they can remain awake with medication for relaxation and, if necessary, pain relief,” explains Dr Dimitrije Milojković, specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics, subspecialist in gynaecologic oncology, and Head of the Gynaecology Department at IMC Priora.
Vaginal and Laparoscopic Procedures
“We have also started performing minor gynaecological procedures as part of secondary prevention of cervical cancer, such as conization (cold knife/electrical loop) and LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone), which require an operating theatre and a day stay, i.e., one-day hospitalization in the inpatient department at IMC Priora. We are also fully equipped for larger minimally invasive gynaecological surgeries. At present, this includes laparoscopic procedures for the treatment of cysts, endometriosis and fibroids, hysterectomy for benign reasons, as well as certain early cases of cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, or early ovarian cancer and staging,” continues Dr Milojković.
Da Vinci – Superior Precision
At the beginning of 2026, Dr Milojković will begin performing the first Da Vinci-assisted operations under the mentorship of Dr Balázs Lintner, a gynaecologic oncologist from Semmelweis University in Budapest.
“The advantage of the Da Vinci system is that during the procedure, the surgeon has four robotic arms that fully replicate human hand movements and further enhance them. Compared to laparoscopic procedures, the robotic arms offer remarkable dexterity with a range of motion of up to 540 degrees, whereas the laparoscope is limited. Da Vinci also provides an exact 3D view of all anatomical structures. All of this enables surgery in very narrow areas with millimetre precision, minimizing bleeding and reducing the risk of errors,” emphasizes Dr Milojković.
The technological advantages translate into benefits for the patient. The procedure is safer and more precise, recovery is shorter, and patients return to everyday activities much sooner. Depending on the procedure, the hospital stay ranges from 1 to 4 days.
“To offer our patients more advanced and safer treatment options, the price of Da Vinci procedures at Priora will be at the level of standard laparoscopic procedures during the implementation of the system at IMC Priora,” concludes Dr Dimitrije Milojković.
