A hysterectomy is a common surgery, and the da Vinci method is a minimally invasive option with faster recovery.
There are many different reasons to get a hysterectomy and many different forms of the procedure. One of the newest ways to get the procedure is via da Vinci Robotic Surgery.
How the da Vinci Robotic Procedure Works
da Vinci is a minimally invasive procedure. If it’s determined by your doctor to be appropriate for the situation in question, it promises minimal scarring and a quick recovery.
This type of laparoscopic surgery uses a small camera on a flexible tube that can blow air to create a small gap in the tissues to facilitate the imaging process. The laparoscope is followed by surgical tools to perform the actual surgery. The surgeon doesn’t look directly at the internal organs. Instead, the surgeon relies on a viewing screen above the surgical table. This may sound like a disadvantage, but it actually allows the surgeon a better view of the uterus.
Pros and Cons of a Robotic Hysterectomy
The advantages of da Vinci robotic hysterectomy include minimal scarring, quick recovery and no hospital stay. When it goes well, it allows people to get back to their normal routine more quickly. It also reduces the risk of infection and bleeding complications.
Although minimal scarring is often seen primarily as benefiting a person’s appearance, the reality is that scar tissue can be uncomfortable to live with and can cause more serious health problems. Limiting the scar tissue involved can enhance quality of life after surgery for many years to come in comparison to a more invasive procedure.
All surgeries involve risks. Most of the potential problems with this procedure would be a risk for any hysterectomy. These include excess bleeding, infection, damage to other organs and a bad reaction to the anesthesia.
The two things that are of special concern for this procedure are unrecognized internal bleeding and greater risk of complications from the anesthesia. The possibility of bleeding internally is due to the fact that it’s a minimally invasive procedure. The issue with anesthesia is due to the fact that it is a relatively lengthy procedure, so patients are under for longer than they would be with open abdominal surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is da Vinci cheaper than other hysterectomies?
Many people assume it will be cheaper, but this isn’t necessarily true. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It winds up being an apples-to-oranges comparison, which means that it can be difficult to draw a solid conclusion at all.
In general, robotic hysterectomy costs the same or less than the old fashioned open abdominal hysterectomy. Consider these factors:
- Each day you stay in the hospital adds to your total medical bill.
- Getting back to your normal routine quicker, such as returning to work, tends to save money.
- Avoiding complications also means avoiding the extra cost of treating those complications.
What types of conditions are typically treated with a Da Vinci hysterectomy?
The list below isn’t comprehensive. Please speak with your health care provider to find out if you are a good candidate for this procedure or if they recommend another approach.
- Fibroids
- Adenomyosis
- Endometriosis
- Prolapse of the uterus
- Severe pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding
- Cancer of the reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, endometrium or uterus
