Robotic-Assisted Gynecological Surgery

Traditional, open gynecologic surgery has long been the standard approach for treating a range of uterine conditions. With conventional surgery, however, come a number of anxiety-inducing considerations, including: a large incision with the accompanying risk of blood loss and infection, significant pain, a long recovery, and potential threat to surrounding nerves and organs.

With the da Vinci Surgical System®, Morton Plant Hospital can offer women an effective, less invasive alternative to open surgery. This state-of-the-art robotic tool enables surgeons to perform even complex operations through tiny incisions with extreme precision and control, and significantly improved viewing capability. It can be used in the treatment of conditions such as:

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine prolapse
  • Menorrhagia (excessive bleeding)

Hysterectomies

Hysterectomies are the second most common surgical procedure in the United States and are used to treat a wide variety of uterine conditions. The majority of hysterectomies are performed using a 6-12 inch abdominal incision. Robotic-assisted surgery offers surgeons unmatched dexterity and visibility of the surrounding anatomy through incisions that are only 1-2 cm in length.

Myomectomies

A myomectomy is an alternative to a hysterectomy in the treatment of uterine fibroids for women who wish to preserve the uterus in hope of later becoming pregnant. After cutting around and removing each fibroid, the surgeon must then repair the uterine wall. Robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomies are proving to be successful for even complex procedures, regardless of size or location of fibroids, including surgery that requires complete reconstruction of the uterine wall.

Sacrocolpopexy and Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation

Sacrocolpopexy  and Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation are two methods of repairing vaginal vault prolapse. The vaginal vault is the area at the top of the vagina. The muscles and ligaments that normally hold this area up have weakened and the vaginal vault droops down or sags. This is usually due to normal aging or a past history of having a hysterectomy. A prolapsed vaginal vault can affect a person’s bowel and bladder control or create an uncomfortable lump in the vagina. This surgery usually involves an incision at the patient’s bikini line similar to a c-section incision. The vaginal vault is then tacked up with sutures or mesh to its original placement in the body. Robotic repair of the vaginal vault is beneficial to the patient in decreased pain post operatively, decreased length of stay in the hospital, decreased blood loss and decreased recuperation time.

Significant Patient Benefits

Da Vinci robotic-assisted technology enables surgeons to offer patients improved treatment options for gynecologic conditions with significant benefits:

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less pain and scarring
  • Less risk of infection
  • Less blood loss and fewer transfusions
  • Faster recovery
  • Quicker return to normal activities

For more information about robotic-assisted gynecological surgery at Morton Plant Hospital, please call (727) 462-3000.