Minimally Invasive & Robotic Gynecologic Surgery
Minimally invasive and robotic gynecologic surgery are techniques that use miniature surgical instruments and small cameras to aid a physician as he or she performs surgery. Rather than create a large incision to access the surgical site, the physician is able to make a series of smaller incisions to perform the procedure.
In robotic surgery, the surgeon uses minimally invasive techniques with the assistance of a robotic surgical system that allows the surgeon to control instruments while using a console system located across the operating room. In other minimally invasive approaches, the surgeon many manipulate the instruments by hand.
Minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery typically result in less scarring, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery time. Because minimally invasive surgery typically carries a lower risk of complications, surgeons usually opt to use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible during gynecological surgery.
Conditions Treated With Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery, also known as laparoscopy or laparoscopic surgery, is a great option for gynecologic procedures performed on the abdomen or the pelvis, because the smaller incisions heal more quickly.
Most commonly, minimally invasive surgery is used for gynecological conditions including:
- Ectopic pregnancies
- Endometriosis
- Fibroid removal
- Hysterectomy
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic floor reconstruction
- Tubal sterilization
Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery
UK HealthCare is proud to feature the da Vinci® Surgical System for use in robotic minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries. The system’s 3D imaging and 360-degree instrumentation allow better visibility and improved outcomes over standard minimally invasive surgical techniques. Using this surgical system, UK HealthCare has reported incredibly low levels of complications.
What to Expect During Minimally Invasive Surgery
While you’re under anesthesia and asleep, a physician will make a small abdominal incision to allow a laparoscope, a small tube with an attached camera, to be inserted in your pelvic region. By expanding your belly with gas, the surgeon gets a clear view of your reproductive organs. Other small incisions will be made to allow instruments to be inserted to perform the surgery. If the da Vinci Surgical System is being used, the robot’s surgical instruments will also be inserted into some of these other incisions.
Recovering from Minimally Invasive Surgery
Depending on why you had the surgery, you may be able to go home the same day or you may need to stay in the hospital for a longer period of time. Patients are typically prescribed pain medication, but the reduced pain from robotic surgery means you may be able to quickly switch to over-the-counter pain medications. It may take a few weeks before you can exercise or lift heavy items (including your children). Depending on the surgery, you may also have to refrain from intercourse.