Da Vinci Robotic Hysterectomy | Hysterectomy Surgical Procedures | Traditional vs Robotic Surgery | Plano, Texas

According to the Women’s Specialists of Plano (www.obgynplano.com 972.379.2416), if you are one of the 1 in 600,000 women who will undergo a hysterectomy this year, it helps to know the facts and the alternatives that are available so that you can make the right choice for you and for your situation. For some women, a hysterectomy will be an option to help ease the symptoms of certain uterine conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic pain or uterine prolapse. For others, especially those who are diagnosed with invasive cancers and severe infections such as PID, there may be no other option than a hysterectomy to cure the condition.

There are several hysterectomy surgical procedures available today. A hysterectomy is the partial or total removal of the uterus—the pear shaped, hollow organ that resides in the pelvis and is what holds a baby during pregnancy.  Depending on the reason for the hysterectomy, a woman may have either a complete or total hysterectomy where both the uterus and the cervix are removed, a partial hysterectomy (sometimes called a supracervical hysterectomy) where the upper portion of the uterus is removed but the cervix remains, or a radial hysterectomy where the entire uterus, cervix and a portion of the vagina are removed.  During a hysterectomy, should it be decided that ovaries are to be removed, this may be accomplished at the same time.  In the majority of cases, a woman will choose to undergo a total hysterectomy.

Traditional hysterectomy surgical procedures are still divided into abdominal and vaginal.  Most women can be candidates for all three; but depending on the size of the uterus, tumor, condition, etc., one may be a better option than the other.  Below, is a breakdown of the three types of traditional hysterectomy surgical procedures:

·    Laparoscopic: Using this method, 3 to 4 tiny incisions are made into the abdomen through which a slim, lighted, telescope instrument called a laparoscope, along with small surgical instruments, are inserted. These tools will essentially work to remove the uterus.  This method usually requires a couple of days or less in the hospital and recovery can take up to 4 weeks.

·    Vaginal: This hysterectomy method is not visible to the naked eyes.  It uses a small incision inside the vagina to remove the uterus and other organs (if needed) and typically requires 1-2 days in the hospital and up to a 4-week recovery period.

·    Abdominal (also known as Open): This hysterectomy method is the most invasive of all hysterectomies.  It requires either a vertical or horizontal incision just above the pubic bone to remove the uterus and cervix (and in some cases, other surrounding organs). This particular hysterectomy will require a longer hospital stay and is performed under general anesthesia with a recovery period up to 6 weeks.

According to media sources, researchers, physicians and patients themselves who have undergone this hysterectomy technique, the da Vinci robotic hysterectomy is revolutionizing the way hysterectomies are performed. They have been documented to be more effective, quicker to perform, and dramatically less invasive than a traditional surgical hysterectomy.

The da Vinci robotic hysterectomy offers a process that is highly technical, but very easy to understand. After making very tiny incisions to the abdomen, miniature instruments and a 3D camera are inserted into the patient.  The surgeon then sits down at a nearby console where he or she views a magnified, high-resolution, 3D image of the uterus.  The system then seamlessly translates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of surgical instruments inside the patient. Every surgical maneuver performed with the robotic device is performed with direct input from the surgeon. Robotic surgeries have been proven to have smaller incisions, less scarring and less recovery time. 

In a recent roundtable discussion led by the Women’s Specialists of Plano, a Plano, Texas based gynecological group that performs that da Vinci robotic hysterectomy surgery daily, recovery is the major difference.  During this discussion, all five of the doctors that make up this highly specialized group of gynecologists discussed the differences. In general the recovery is the same as a traditional hysterectomy, just faster.  They divide recovery into three phases:

·    How fast a patient comes out of the anesthesia

·    How soon a patient gains back strength

·    How soon a patient gains stamina

According to Dr. Murray Fox, “With a traditional hysterectomy, the first two recovery phases take 18 to 24 hours each.  The third takes 3 – 6 weeks; with robotic surgery the first two take 6 to 18 hours and the third, just 7 – 14 days.”

Dr. Dennis Eisenberg can usually see the differences almost immediately after the surgery is performed and the patient has returned for their post-op visit. “Side effects post-op for all types of hysterectomies will be similar, but with the robotic technique, they are smaller and minimized.  My patients will often tell me that they had less pain and were quicker to return to normal function than their friends who have undergone traditional surgery.”

Dr. Daryl Greebon and Julies Monier also agree that the robotic surgery might not be for everyone, but that for those who are candidates, it is generally the preferred option, “As far as effectiveness, each type of hysterectomy works well. Some are better in certain situations.  For instance, we have found that heavier women actually do better with the robotic technique because we can see better.  However, this particularly type of woman presents more problems for anesthesia with the robot, so she needs to be in reasonably good health to have this procedure.”

Regarding robotic surgery vs. traditional surgery, they continue to say, “Scarring can occur with any surgery but scarring has proven to be much less noticeable with robotic which is a significant advantage since intraabdominal scarring can lead to complications with future surgeries, or cause problems such as bowel obstruction.”

While the robotic surgery seems like the best option for women who are candidates for the procedure, one drawback is the availability of the technology.  “The da Vinci robotic surgical technique is truly the only available gynecological technology that can provide surgeons with the instinctive control, range of motion, fine tissue manipulation and 3D visualization that is characteristic of open surgery—but producing vastly different recovery times. Unfortunately, this technique takes a lot of practice and hands on experience coupled with the fact that it is a very expensive investment for the physician. Thus, it is not offered by all gynecological groups,” says Dr. Jon Ricks.

While the da Vinci robotic hysterectomy technology has certainly taken the medical profession by storm, it will take time before it appears in the offices of most physicians. Training and consistent use are two key ingredients that will make the adoption a success. The Women’s Specialists of Plano in Plano, Texas feel the training, price tag and commitment are not only justified, but also invaluable in terms of what they can offer their patients.  It is also up to each patient, in cooperation with their surgeon, to determine whether a robotic surgery vs. traditional surgery is in their best interest.

Kristy Theis is a freelance writer and communications specialist with over 15 years experience in the fields of PR, marketing, communications and copywriting. She is the content editor for eMedicalMedia in Dallas, TX.