Surgery Assisted By The da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System

Dr.Stanley Friedell, MD, Image For Surgery Assisted By The da Vinci

There are several different types of hysterectomies as well as different ways to perform the procedure. At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates in Chicago, Stanley Friedell, MD is certified to perform laparoscopic hysterectomies using the da Vinci robot. Recovery is improved and pain is decreased if the da Vinci system makes it easier to be done laparoscopically.

The hysterectomy is the second most common surgery for women and doctors in the U.S. perform approximately 600,000 every year. A hysterectomy is a serious surgery and depending on the method used can require up to a 6 week recovery time.

How Does The da Vinci Robot Assist a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?

The da Vinci® Xi™ is a piece of state of the art medical equipment that is used to assist a variety of surgeries. When used to perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy the doctor uses the da Vinci robot console to obtain an ideal view of the area. Doctors using the system benefit from a high definition view of the operative field and magnification up to 10x. In addition to the visual clarity the da Vinci robot also allows for optimal surgical dexterity and accuracy and precision that is superior to the human hand.

Those who have a laparoscopic hysterectomy assisted by the da Vinci robot will recover faster and benefit from:

Less pain
Shortened hospital stay
Quick return to normal everyday activities

When is a Hysterectomy Recommended?

Your doctor may recommend a da Vinci robot assisted hysterectomy for a variety of reasons. Possible conditions that would require a hysterectomy include:

Endometriosis
Menstrual periods with heavy bleeding
Fibroid tumors
Pelvic prolapse
Cancer

Depending on the circumstances there are three types of hysterectomies that may be performed.

Total hysterectomy – A total hysterectomy is the most common type and involves the removal of the uterus and the cervix.
Partial or subtotal hysterectomy – A partial hysterectomy involves having the upper part of the uterus removed while leaving the cervix intact. In many cases this type of hysterectomy is done due to patient preference to keep the cervix intact.
Radical hysterectomy – A radical hysterectomy is most commonly performed when cancer is present by gynecologic oncologists

Depending on the patient’s circumstances they may also need to have the fallopian tubes and ovaries removed as well. Sometimes this will be a necessary part of the surgery and other times, it is patient choice. It is best to discuss with your surgeon what is best for you.

There are cases where a hysterectomy is recommended but the patient is not a candidate for a laparoscopic hysterectomy using the da Vinci robot. In those cases another procedure method would be used.

What Other Methods Exist for Performing a Hysterectomy?

Open abdominal hysterectomy – This is a more traditional way of performing a hysterectomy. This method necessitates a long incision be made in the abdomen through which the uterus and cervix will be removed. Due to the large incision this method requires the longest recovery time. Patients should expect to spend 4-6 weeks recovering.

Vaginal hysterectomy – With this method the doctor enters the body through the vagina. A small incision is made in the vagina to allow the doctor to remove the uterus through the vagina. This method is best if only the uterus needs to be removed. The biggest challenge with vaginal hysterectomies is that the doctor has a very limited view of the organs as they work. A woman can expect to spend 2-4 weeks recovering after a vaginal hysterectomy.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy – A laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed by making a couple of small incisions in the abdomen. An instrument with a tiny camera is used to assist with this procedure which is how the doctor sees the area he is operating on. A laparoscopic hysterectomy will require 2-3 weeks of recovery time.

There are many benefits to a laparoscopic hysterectomy, however the tools that are most commonly used are rigid and do not move as easily inside the body. Although the laparoscopic picture is good, it is not as exceptional as that found with the da vinci system.

This is why the assistance of the da Vinci robot has changed what is possible with laparoscopic hysterectomies. Recovery is improved and pain is lessened, and more surgeries can be done with minimally invasive surgery when doctors have better instruments and a clearer vision of the operating area.

If you have been told that you need to have a hysterectomy contact Northwestern Women’s Health Associates and find out if you are a candidate for a laparoscopic hysterectomy assisted by the da Vinci robot. With such great improvements in technology there is no need for a woman to spend 6 weeks recovering from a hysterectomy before they can get back to their lives. Learn more about the da Vinci® Xi™ surgical system today!

Robotic surgery is performed by Dr Stanley Friedell and laparoscopic surgery is performed by Stanley Friedell MD, Marc Feldstein, Regina Belmonte, Julianne Morton, Whitney Dunn, Aleena Lakhanpal and Margaret Kistner.

At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Marc Feldstein, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD ; and Margaret Kistner, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

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Jen Weitz
"Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

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Melissa P.
"Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

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Jeanne S.
"I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

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Kelly C.
"Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

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Ashes M.
"Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

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Mengmeng L.
"Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

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Jean L.
"I visited Dr Feldstein office yesterday. All of his stuff was very kind and nice to me. He has a professional-team, so I know I have nothing to be afraid of. Just wanted to say thanks to all the people I meet. I am in good hands."

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Anahita K.
"Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

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Dana M.
"I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
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"I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

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