Chronic pelvic pain is defined as pain in the pelvis that occurs for two weeks every month and occurs every month for six months. As a final treatment for chronic pelvic pain, when conservative methods fail to relieve symptoms, your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus through an incision made in the lower abdomen. For many women, a hysterectomy has helped improve their pelvic pain and function.
There was a time when open surgery was only the option women had for a hysterectomy. Now, women can get a hysterectomy with robotic-assisted surgery. A robotic hysterectomy carries fewer risks than an open hysterectomy.
Let’s discuss how a robotic hysterectomy can solve the problem of chronic pelvic pain.
A Robotic Hysterectomy is Minimally Invasive
During a robotic-assisted hysterectomy, the doctor makes small incisions in your abdomen – each incision measuring only a quarter of an inch to half an inch long – to carry out the procedure. Then, a laparoscope – which is a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end – will be inserted through the incision. Specialized tools will be inserted through the other incisions.
Since your body is not subjected to trauma created by larger incisions, you get the following benefits:
- Minimal loss of blood
- Less postoperative pain
- Fast recovery and healing
- Fewer complications
- Minimal scarring
A Robotic Hysterectomy is More Precise
Minimally invasive hysterectomy is an advanced procedure, but a robotic-assisted hysterectomy takes it a step further, involving the use of the state-of-the-art da Vinci robotic surgical system. During a robotic-assisted hysterectomy, after the laparoscope and specialized tools are inserted through the incision, the doctor proceeds to attach them to robotic arms and remotely controls the surgery.
Some other benefits of minimally invasive hysterectomy are as follows:
Better Visualization
The da Vinci system’s advanced imaging technology allows doctors better visualization, by producing 3D, high-definition (HD) images of the surgical site. Doctors are also able to zoom in to see a crystal clear view of the area.
Enhanced Dexterity, Exceptional Precision, and Control
The doctor operates on the patient as if it were their own hands holding the tools. The robotic arms, wrists, and fingers are built with advanced technologies, including enhanced range of motion and control, that exceed that of a human arm and hand.
Extremely tight spaces that cannot accommodate the human hand can now be accessed. In addition, there is motion scaling technology, which eliminates the natural tremor of the human hand. Plus, the internal cables of the instruments are highly responsive, which allows for precise suturing, dissection, and tissue manipulation.
All in all, the da Vinci system enhances dexterity, precision, and control, and allows for an excellent execution of the procedure that minimizes human error.
Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in Yorkville, Sandwich, & Plainfield
At the Aishling Obstetrics & Gynecology clinic, our board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists combine skill, experience, and the most advanced technologies to give you the best treatment outcomes for your gynecological condition. We typically like to exhaust conservative options before recommending surgery for chronic pelvic pain.
Our physicians are specially trained in minimally invasive techniques, and use The da Vinci system for robotic-assisted hysterectomy – and for this highly advanced procedure, we use the single incision technique to further improve our patients’ postoperative experience and surgical outcomes.
If you are suffering from chronic pelvic pain, you may be a good candidate for a robotic-assisted hysterectomy. Schedule a consultation with one of our physicians to find out your treatment options. Call our OB/GYN clinic nearest you or use our convenient appointment request form.
