Advanced robotic minimally invasive gynecology surgery is an alternative to traditional open surgery and has been important in gynecological surgery for both benign and cancerous conditions. Robotic surgery has become the preferred method for treating many women’s cancers. Through the use of the da Vinci surgical systems, doctors are able to complete complex surgeries in a minimally invasive and safe manner. Using the surgeon’s console, the surgeon’s movements are translated onto one of four arms and replicated by the robot through tiny incisions. This allows surgeons to make smaller incisions, decreasing her postoperative discomfort, and shortening the recovery period after surgery.
Did you know…
Advanced robotic minimally invasive gynecology surgery at GOA is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning our patients are often able to go home the same day as the surgery instead of having to remain at the hospital overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of Advanced Robotic Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery?
Advanced robotic minimally invasive gynecology surgery has been found to be easier to perform with improved visualization for the surgeon, and benefits patients in many ways including: less postoperative pain, decreased blood loss, a lower risk of infection, and a shorter time spent recovering in the hospital and overall. In addition, it gives the option of a minimally invasive surgical technique to women who were previously unable to receive vaginal or traditional laparoscopic surgery due to a lack of eligibility.
Am I a Candidate for Advanced Robotic Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery?
You may be a candidate for advanced robotic minimally invasive gynecology surgery if you have any of the conditions listed below, or if you are at a high risk for traditional open surgery. To find out if you are an ideal candidate for advanced robotic minimally invasive gynecology surgery, book a consultation with Gynecologic Oncology Associates today!
What Conditions Can Benefit from Robotic Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery?
There are many conditions that can benefit from Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery. Here are just a few that we manage at GOA:
- Total and hysterectomy (for benign diseases)
- Cancers of the uterus, cervix, and ovary **See our page on Robotic Cancer Surgery if this applies to you
- Endometriosis
- Patients at a high risk of gynecologic cancer desiring prophylactic surgery
- Patients with a history of multiple prior surgeries at risk for complications
- Obese patients at a high risk for surgical complications
- Ovarian masses
Radical cancer surgery is the name given to describe a surgical procedure in which surgeons remove all tumor and a margin of normal tissue. In some cases nearby lymph nodes, and other tissues at risk for harboring cancer, may also be removed. Due to the nature of radical cancer surgery, having the right approach is paramount to operative success.
At GOA, our physicians have all undergone extensive, specialized training in radical cancer surgical procedures including: ovarian cancer debulking, bowel surgery, urinary tract surgery, radical hysterectomy, and the radical excision of vulvar and vaginal cancers. At GOA we also apply a multi- disciplinary approach to radical cancer surgery. We believe by working with our colleagues in plastic surgery, anesthesia, and occasionally other specialists such as palliative care physicians and physical therapists, we can help our patients achieve their best outcomes, maintain sexual function, and preserve their quality of life.
GOA surgeons also utilize the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway. The ERAS pathway is centered around understanding our patient’s biology to improve their experience and reduce their recovery time and pain after major surgery. By empowering our patients to be an active participant in their recovery with ERAS, after surgery GOA patients require fewer narcotics, suffer from less constipation, are able to return to eating normally sooner, and have a recovery period that is, on average, two days faster. There are four main stages of the ERAS pathway:
- Planning and Preparing Before Surgery
- Reducing the Physical Stress of the Surgery
- A Pain Relief Plan
- Early Feeding and Movement After Surgery
Did You Know….
Studies have shown that women with cancer who have their radical surgery with a gynecological oncologist are more likely to have an optimal debulking procedure (complete removal of all visible cancer)? This impacts patients’ survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I be able to get up, walk, and eat after my surgery?
For most patients, you will start doing these normal things as part of an enhanced recovery the same day as your surgery. Some patients may begin this recovery the next morning. Either way, we work with our nursing teams to make sure our patients are feeling encouraged and are on a fast path to a quick recovery as soon as possible.
What types of cancers require advanced radical cancer surgery?
Ovarian cancer, advanced uterine cancer, early cervical cancer, some vulvar, and vaginal cancers may all require radical surgery. To find out if you may need such a procedure or are a candidate for a more minimally invasive procedure, make an appointment for a consultation today!
