What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is performed using several very small incisions. It’s often done using a laparoscope, which contains a high-intensity light and high-definition video camera that sends a magnified view of the surgical site to a monitor.
During laparoscopic surgery, your doctor uses specialized surgical instruments contained in narrow tubes that are easily inserted through the small incisions.
Your doctor may use laparoscopy to closely examine tissues and diagnose the cause of your symptoms. Then the same procedure is done to perform surgery to treat the problem.
What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is also minimally invasive surgery with one significant difference: your doctor uses the cutting-edge da Vinci Surgical System.
The da Vinci’s robotic arms hold the surgical instruments, which are completely controlled by your doctor.
Your doctor wears highly sensitive hand and fingertip controls that translate his movements into motions performed by the robotic arms.
The da Vinci’s EndoWrist® instruments improve surgical precision because they can perform micromovements, and they have a range of motion that exceeds human hands.
The robotic arms are also smaller than human hands, which means they can reach tight areas inside your body without causing trauma to surrounding tissues.
What are the advantages of minimally invasive robotic surgery?
Small incisions cause less trauma than the long incision used during traditional open surgery. As a result, you’ll have:
- Less bleeding
- Fewer complications
- Less postoperative pain
- Quicker recovery
- Minimal scarring
Minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery also allows most procedures to be done on an outpatient basis, so you don’t have to spend days in the hospital.
What gynecologic procedures are performed using robotic surgery?
Most gynecologic surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive robotic surgery. The doctors at North County Women’s Specialists use the da Vinci Surgical System to perform procedures such as:
- Myomectomy: removal of uterine fibroids while leaving your uterus intact
- Cystectomy: removal of ovarian or fallopian tube cysts
- Hysterectomy: partial or total removal of the uterus
- Salpingo-oophorectomy: removal of one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Endometrial ablation: treatment for heavy uterine bleeding
- Pelvic floor reconstruction: repair of pelvic organ prolapse
- Diagnostic procedures: biopsy and detection of inflammation, tumors, polyps, fibroids, and other problems
Robotic surgery may also be used to remove endometriosis and to treat gynecologic cancer.
If you need a diagnostic or surgical procedure, call North County Women’s Specialists or book an appointment online.
