What is a Robotic Hysterectomy?
If you’re a candidate for a full or partial hysterectomy, then you may have heard your doctor mention the possibility of a robotic hysterectomy. Over the past few years, this procedure has become relatively standard, but few people outside of the medical community have a lot of familiarity with it. If you’re looking to have a hysterectomy in the near future, consult the Northwestern Women’s Health Associates team serving patients in and around the Chicago area.
What you need to know about this procedure
- Robotic hysterectomies replace vaginal hysterectomies. Vaginal hysterectomies are usually considered the least invasive form of this type of surgery. Still, there might be several reasons why your doctor would not want to perform a vaginal hysterectomy. If additional medical concerns make a vaginal hysterectomy inadvisable, then robotic surgery is the next least invasive option.
- Robotic hysterectomies make smaller incisions. In this procedure, robotic tools, including a camera and surgical instruments, are controlled by a doctor. But the doctor performs the surgery using a magnified image from the camera. The robotic tools allow for a much smaller incision than would otherwise be required with a “standard” non-vaginal hysterectomy. The tools can also be used much more precisely, reducing the likelihood of errors or reducing the amount of blood lost.
- Robotic hysterectomies require less recovery time. Because the incision is smaller and the procedure can be done much more efficiently, these surgeries tend to have a much lower recovery time. Patients report lower pain at the incision site than other abdominal or pelvic surgeries requiring more significant cuts to access the organs. Furthermore, there is limited evidence that patients require less pain medication and stay in the hospital for a shorter time.
Robotic Hysterectomy Procedure in and around Chicago
If you live in Chicago and think you’re a candidate for a robotic hysterectomy procedure, call the Northwestern Women’s Health Associates team. Several of our doctors perform laparoscopic hysterectomies. Dr Stanley Friedell performs robotic hysterectomies. Call 312-440-9400 today to schedule a consultation to explore whether or not this procedure is suitable for you.
