Fibroid tumors are one of the most common reasons women undergo hysterectomies. In fact, one in every four women have fibroid tumors. Most fibroids are not problematic, but when fibroids become large or are located in certain areas of the uterus, fibroids can become bothersome. They cause heavy menstrual bleeding and pressure sensation on the bowl or bladder.
In the past, most women would have to undergo a major surgical operation with a large abdominal incision. Today, with the use of the da Vinci surgical system we can tackle such complex pathology with a minimally invasive approach and allow the woman to retain her uterus. One of the greatest rewards of being an OB /Gyn doctor is the ability to remove symptomatic fibroid tumors and watching a patient’s symptoms resolve. Ultimately, if desired, the patient can then achieve a successful pregnancy.
From Grey’s Anatomy to Our OB/GYN Office
The da Vinci surgical system is becoming very common in the medical field and mainstream media. The popular Grey’s Anatomy TV show featured this surgical system.
Grey's Anatomy Uses the da Vinci Surgical System
It is being used in multiple surgical specialties ranging from urology, cardiothorasic, colorectal, ENT, gynecology to additional surgical fields. The fields of use continue to grow every year. One of the main reasons why the da Vinci surgical system has become so popular is that it allows the surgeon to perform complex surgical procedures through very small incisions. The system allows a doctor to see the field in in 3D with high magnification allowing for greater precision. This is ideal for myomectomies. Using this technology, the fibroids can be removed from the uterus with great precision which reduces tissue damage to the utuers and reduces blood loss. Although the da Vinci is innovative, not all patients are ideal candidates at this time. These cases include fibroids larger then 10 cm and/or a patient with a uterus containing numerous fibroids. As technology improves these cases might be able to be treated with the da Vinci.
da Vinci Myomectomy Benefits
For patients, the benefits of the da Vinci Myomectomy include: less pain, less blood loss, smaller incisions, shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery. With a traditional open myomectomy many women have large abdominal incisions, significant amounts of blood loss and pain, a 3 day hospital stay and 6 week recovery. With the da Vinci myomectomy a significant amount of women are able to go home the same night and return to their normal daily routine within 2 weeks.
I recently saw a patient in the office a year after performing a da Vinci myomectomy and I asked her this question: “What was the most defining reason that you chose the route of myomectomy?” She said: “Dr Corsi, it was not the uterus that was causing my medical discomfort, but the fibroid tumor. You took care of problem by removing the fibroid and not uterus. Why take something out if it’s not the problem?”
Our patients teach us lessons which remind us to look at problems in different ways!
I had a Robotic Myomectomy yesterday. The surgery was very successful and I came home the same day. I have some discomfort and slight pain. The hospital staff kept commenting on how well I was doing. I am very pleased with my decision to have this procedure.
do you still think that yrs later
After consulting with Dr. Corsi I decided to have a da Vinci Myomectomy and I’m very glad that I did. During the procedure I had five fibroids removed. I was able to leave the hospital that evening and the pain was very manageable. My fibroids were causing other symptoms and those have also resolved as a result of the surgery. I’m very pleased with my results and wish I hadn’t waited so long to have the surgery! Now I’m looking forward to getting pregnant without the complications the fibroids may have caused.
I wish this would have been available when I was having all my problems – I think it would have been a better option then the hysterectomy.
Kristen,
I can understand where you are coming from. The da Vinci has been such a major change in being able to meticulously remove fibroids from the uterus. Sometimes even better then open.
Dr Corsi i have a question for you. I have had a myomectomy which was done in 2005 in Africa by a chinese doctor and in 2007 i had to undergo a Laproscopic one in the UK by a very qualified gynaecologist and now they are back again. I just got married and i need to start a family. If i have the Davinci Myomectomy do you think i will be able to have children?
Kind regards and thankyou for your time.
Anna,
It depends on how many fibroids have come back, location and size of the fibroids. Many factors come in to play on getting pregnant. My best advice is no to wait. The da Vinci works very well for removing fibroids but not all cases can be done with the da Vinci. Good luck.
Dr. Paul, I lost a baby few months ago and 3 months later i started bleeding. I have been told that i have an enlarged uterus and to do a hysterectomy. I’m presently on Lupron. Do you think i have a chance with Da Vinci? I only have 1 child and still want to have one more.