Ask the OB-GYN – Is a robotic hysterectomy less invasive or painful?
What are some of the reasons women and their doctors may discuss hysterectomy options?
If a woman is suffering from endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroid tumors, pelvic prolapse or cancer, removing her uterus may be the only option for relief or an important part of achieving better health.
What are the four approaches to hysterectomy?
- Open hysterectomy. As the name indicates, this is an open surgery, where your uterus is removed through a large incision. The incision has to be large so your surgeon can see your organs and fit his/her hands and instruments inside your body.
- Vaginal hysterectomy. Your surgeon will make a cut in your vagina, operates through this incision and closes it with stitches once your uterus is removed.
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy. Your surgeon will make two or three small incisions in your abdomen, then operate using long instruments and a tiny camera. The camera sends images to a monitor that the doctors will use to monitor their activity as they operate. Your uterus can also be removed through a single incision in you belly button.
- Robotic hysterectomy. Similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy, a robotic hysterectomy allows your surgeon to operate through five small abdominal incisions, or one in your navel. The instruments used can bend and rotate far more than the human wrist can. This gives your surgeon improved precision, dexterity and control.
What are the benefits of robotic hysterectomy?
Because there is far less tissue trauma to the abdomen, patients who undergo a robotic hysterectomy may experience:
- Significantly less pain
- Less blood loss
- Fewer complications
- Less risk of infection
- Less scarring due to small incisions
- Shorter hospital stay and shorter recovery time
- A faster return to normal daily activities
Every year, approximately 600,000 American women have hysterectomies. Should you be one of them? If you are suffering from one of the conditions mentioned above, ask your doctor what treatment alternatives might be available to you, or discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different surgical methods—including cost and insurance coverage.
If you’re looking for a new OB-GYN practice we are accepting new patients? Make an appointment with Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello today.
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