Surgical Options

Hysterectomy

The most common initial treatment for uterine cancer involves surgery to remove the uterus. In almost all cases of uterine cancer, a gynecologic oncologist will recommend a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or a complete hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries). To find out whether cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, the surgeon also removes lymph nodes that drain the uterus and may perform biopsies of other abdominal sites.

In April 2005, the FDA approved the da Vinci® Surgical System for gynecologic surgical procedures. The da Vinci System enables the surgeon to perform surgery through small incisions. The system involves up to four robotic "arms" that hold a laparoscopic camera and 8mm instruments that are passed through the abdominal wall to access the target anatomy. The system scales filters and translates the surgeon's hand movements at the console into micro-movements of robotic arms at the patient's side. The System provides a magnified three-dimensional view of the surgical field for the surgeon who's vision and instrument control are enhanced as compared to conventional surgical technologies.

• Find out more about da Vinci Hysterectomy

Additional Therapy after Hysterectomy
Additional therapy to destroy uterine cancer cells may include radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. After the treatment has been completed, physicians provide follow-up care that includes physical exams, pelvic exams, Pap smears, chest X-rays and laboratory tests.

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci Surgical System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. There are no guarantees of outcome. All surgeries involve the risk of major complications. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual; it may not be applicable to your condition. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Only your doctor can determine whether da Vinci Surgery is appropriate for your situation. The clinical information and opinions, including any inaccuracies expressed in this material by patients or doctor about da Vinci Surgery are not necessarily those of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. and should not be considered as substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor. All persons depicted are models unless otherwise noted. © 2011 Intuitive Surgical. All rights reserved. Intuitive, Intuitive Surgical, da Vinci, da Vinci S, da Vinci Si, Single-Site,  InSite, TilePro and EndoWrist are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intuitive Surgical. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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