da Vinci Hysterectomy for Benign Gynecologic Conditions
The Condition(s):
Chronic Pelvic Pain, Heavy Bleeding, Fibroids, Endometriosis, and/or Prolapse
A wide variety of benign (non-cancerous) conditions can affect a woman’s reproductive system, which consists of the uterus, the vagina, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Most of these conditions affect the uterus, which is the hollow, muscular organ that holds a baby as it grows inside a pregnant woman.
Common types of gynecologic conditions like fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterine wall), endometriosis (non-cancerous growths of uterine lining), or prolapse (falling or slipping of the uterus) can cause chronic pelvic pain, excessive menstrual bleeding, and/or other disabling symptoms.
When medication and other non-invasive options are unable to relieve symptoms, surgery may be recommended to provide a more effective, long-term solution for a range of gynecologic conditions. If your doctor has recommended a hysterectomy, you are not alone - one in three women in the U.S. will have a hysterectomy before turning 60.10
The Treatment:
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy can sometimes be performed through the vagina. However, when the uterus is enlarged or if you have internal scarring from prior surgery or other conditions, open abdominal hysterectomy is usually performed. Open abdominal hysterectomy requires a long incision below the navel. This procedure can be painful, involving heavy pain medications, risk of infection, and significant blood loss. After surgery, a long recovery (often 6 weeks) is necessary. In addition, many patients are not happy with the scar and abdominal muscle weakness left by the incision.
While hysterectomy is a relatively safe procedure, it may not be appropriate or necessary for all individuals or conditions. Alternatives to hysterectomy that preserve the uterus may be available. For example, da Vinci Myomectomy is a minimally invasive surgical alternative to hysterectomy that may be an option for women with fibroids who want to preserve their fertility and/or uterus. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.
da Vinci Hysterectomy:
A Less Invasive Surgical Procedure
If your doctor recommends hysterectomy, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive alternative to traditional hysterectomy called da Vinci Hysterectomy. This procedure uses the da Vinci® Surgical System, a state-of-the-art surgical platform designed to help your doctor perform the most precise and least invasive hysterectomy available today. For most women, da Vinci Hysterectomy offers numerous potential benefits over traditional surgical approaches, including:
- Significantly less pain2
- Minimal blood loss and need for transfusion11,3
- Fewer complications11,12
- Shorter hospital stay11,12
- Quicker recovery and return to normal activities1,2
- Small incisions for minimal scarring
- Better outcomes and patient satisfaction, in many cases11
By overcoming the limitations of both traditional open and laparoscopic surgery, da Vinci is revolutionizing gynecologic surgery for women. It’s no wonder more and more women are choosing da Vinci Surgery for their hysterectomy.