At the symposium “Application of Robotics in Gynecology”, participants included Prof. Dr. Mia Blaganje (University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slovenia), Dr. Gabriel Mitroi (Bucharest Endometriosis Center, Romania), and Dr. Dimitrije Milojković and Dr. Marko Jovanovac from IMC Priora.
A professional symposium titled “Application of Robotics in Gynecology” was held in Čepin, organized by IMC Priora in collaboration with Sofmedica. The symposium focused on the application of robotic surgery in gynecology, emphasizing practical experience, clinical outcomes, patient benefits, and the development of this advanced method in everyday practice. Gynecologists Dr. Marko Jovanovac and Dr. Dimitrije Milojković shared their experience from IMC Priora with the attendees.
Advantages of Da Vinci robotic surgery
The speakers agreed that robotic surgery is not only a technological achievement but also a major advancement in healthcare, bringing numerous benefits to both patients and surgeons. They emphasized that the goal is to make this technology more widely accessible.
Da Vinci robotic technology has been used in gynecology since 2005, and today, around 30% of all Da Vinci-assisted procedures are performed within this specialty. “In Croatia, around 900 Da Vinci-assisted procedures have been performed so far, mostly in urology, but recently also in gynecology. More than 100 Da Vinci surgeries have been carried out at Priora alone. The benefits for both surgeons and patients are significant. With the Da Vinci system, the surgeon operates using four arms simultaneously, while the robotic arms offer incredible mobility with a range of up to 540 degrees and millimeter precision. The system provides a highly precise 3D view of all anatomical structures, enabling procedures in very narrow areas with exceptional accuracy. All of this increases procedural safety, reduces bleeding, and lowers the risk of complications. However, it is important to emphasize that the robot is a tool—human expertise and empathy are what truly heal patients,” said Dr. Jovanovac.
Experience and results of Da Vinci surgery
Dr. Dimitrije Milojković highlighted that the symposium’s goal was to introduce the wider public to the advantages of innovative Da Vinci robotic technology. “These procedures allow our patients a faster return to daily activities and a shorter postoperative course. The symposium is also an opportunity to share our experience with colleagues and present preliminary results from the first procedures we have performed.” At Priora, under the leadership of Dr. Milojković, the first robotic gynecological surgeries in Croatia were performed in February, including hysterectomy procedures. “Robot-assisted surgery has significantly reduced hospital stays for patients—on average, patients stayed for two days, which is considerably shorter compared to open surgery and even laparoscopy.”
Representatives of the association “I am 1 of 10“, which supports women with endometriosis, also attended the symposium. Their goals include raising awareness about endometriosis, improving understanding of the disease, and advocating for changes within the healthcare system for affected women.
Zorica Martić, the association’s president, pointed out the concerning fact that it takes 10 to 12 years for women to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis, followed by surgery and recovery. She also mentioned the presentation by Dr. Gabriel Mitroi from the Bucharest Endometriosis Center, who discussed the advantages of robotic surgery for treating endometriosis.
“There is never enough of these symposiums, as medicine evolves every day, and so do our doctors through continuous education. For us as an association, the most important thing is that visible changes are happening in Croatia. A few years ago, endometriosis was hardly discussed, and today, as we mark five years of our association, we are talking about modern surgical techniques and faster recovery. I believe we are on the path toward European and global standards, and this symposium is an important step in strengthening the healthcare system,” concluded Martić.
