Background on Hysterectomies
Each year more than half a million women in the United States undergo a hysterectomy, or surgical removal of the uterus. One in three women will experience the surgical procedure before she turns 60. Hysterectomy is the second most common surgical procedure for women and is performed to treat a number of gynecologic conditions,including endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, excessive bleeding and uterine fibroids.
Until recently, undergoing a hysterectomy meant that the surgery was performed using an “open” approach, with a 6 to 12 inch incision through the abdomen for access to the uterus and surrounding organs. There was a long usually six weeks), painful recovery period following the hysterectomy.
“Today, less invasive options are available,” says Paul J. Corsi, MD, Chair of the Minimally Invasive Surgical Committee at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland. “The vast majority of gynecologic conditions can be treated using the da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical system.”
Using the daVinci, the surgeon makes only a few small one to two centimeter long incisions in the abdomen, leading to less risk of complications and a quicker recovery. While sitting at a console, the surgeon controls the da Vinci system. The daVinci replicates the surgeon’s movements and provides the surgeon with greater precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity, enhanced visualization and better access. Use of the da Vinci enables gynecologists to perform the most precise and minimally invasive hysterectomy available today.
Advantages of the da Vinci Surgical System
Besides a quicker recovery period and faster return to normal activities, use of the da Vinci offers these advantages over traditional surgical options for women undergoing hysterectomy:
- Less pain
- Less blood loss
- Fewer complications
- Minimal scarring
- Higher patient satisfaction
- Shorter hospital stay, with many patients returning home the same day
Listen to Dr. Corsi discuss the da Vinci Surgical System or download a PDF of the article.
[download]Click to download a PDF file this da Vinci article.[/download]
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