In the past, women who had to undergo hysterectomies (surgical removal of the uterus) had only one option, and this involved a large abdominal incision, longer recovery time, and higher risk of complications. Fortunately, with the advances in surgical techniques and technology came the development of minimally invasive options—the most innovative of which is robotic hysterectomy.
Robotic hysterectomy, also referred to as robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, is a procedure in which a gynecological surgeon utilizes a computer to maneuver the surgical instruments through tiny abdominal incisions.
If you have chronic pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, or other problems in your uterus that are not responsive to conservative interventions and your surgeon has recommended vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, consider asking them about the robotic-assisted laparoscopic technique and whether it is right for you.
Here’s some basic information about robotic hysterectomy, particularly its benefits and risks, which may be worth discussing with your gynecological surgeon.
Benefits
Robotic hysterectomy has been touted by experts for its remarkable benefits, which include the following:
- Optimal precision, dexterity, and control – The use of both a sophisticated, high-definition camera system—which allows for a 3D magnified view of the surgical site—and robotic arms allow for optimal precision, dexterity, and control. This means the procedure has lower risk of damage to the nearby organs, nerves, and tissues.
- Smaller incisions– This translates into significantly less pain, lower risk of infection and blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.
- Exceptional clinical outcomes- Robotic-assisted surgeries, by and large, yield high success and satisfaction rates.
Risks
Despite the remarkable benefits of robotic hysterectomy, it does carry some risks—just like any other type of surgery and hysterectomy technique. The following are some of the potential risks of robotic hysterectomy that, while very rare, are worth talking to your surgeon about:
- Allergic reaction to the anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)- a condition in which blood clots form in a deep vein (large vein in the legs) and may go to the lungs
- Infection
It is also worth noting that the procedure can carry other risks that are associated with specific medical conditions. Make sure to tell your gynecological surgeon everything about your medical history and current health condition and your concerns when contemplating getting the procedure.
Robotic Hysterectomy in Sandwich, Yorkville, and Plainfield
At Aishling Obstetrics & Gynecology, our board-certified OB/GYNs strive to keep abreast of all best practices as well as the latest advances in the field, which they believe are crucial for fulfilling their foremost goal—to provide our patients with the highest quality of health care.
Our providers are highly adept at minimally invasive gynecological procedures, including single-incision robotic hysterectomy, helping countless women in Illinois recover quickly and get back to doing the things that they love.
To learn more about robotic hysterectomy, schedule a consultation with one of our OB/GYNs. Give our staff a call at (815) 786-1088.
