What You Should Know About da Vinci Robotic Surgery
In the past, surgeons performed most gynecology operations via open surgery, which requires a large incision in a woman’s belly. But now, thanks to exciting advances in surgical techniques, many types of gynecological surgery can be performed with much smaller incisions.
For example, laparoscopic surgery uses several tiny incisions rather than a large cut. And robot-assisted surgery utilizes high-tech medical instruments that help surgeons operate with enhanced vision, precision, and control.
At Virtuosa GYN, Dr. Susan Crockett uses the da Vinci® Surgical System for various types of gynecological surgery. Dr. Crockett, a master-level surgeon in da Vinci robotic surgery, would like to share some important information with you about this exciting surgical system.
Minimally invasive system
The da Vinci Surgical System is a minimally invasive procedure that incorporates laparoscopic surgery and robot-assisted technology.
With the da Vinci Surgical System, Dr. Crockett can perform an operation through just a few tiny incisions. The da Vinci System’s magnified three-dimensional high-definition vision system gives Dr. Crockett an expanded view of the surgical area.
The da Vinci system also uses tiny “wristed” instruments that bend and rotate with far greater flexibility than the human wrist. These instruments allow Dr. Crockett to operate with exceptional precision and control.
Robotic assistance
Although the da Vinci System helps Dr. Crockett during surgery, it does not perform the surgery. Dr. Crockett is always in full control. But using the da Vinci System allows her to achieve a level of accuracy and precision that humans can’t accomplish on their own.
The da Vinci system is very safe. It has been used with more than 3 million patients worldwide.
Types of surgery
Dr. Crockett uses the da Vinci System to treat gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis.
She also uses it to perform hysterectomies and other types of GYN surgery such as sacrocolpopexy. This is a procedure in which surgical mesh is used to keep pelvic organs like your vagina or uterus in place after they have prolapsed (slipped out of their normal position).
Benefits of the da Vinci System
Having surgery with the da Vinci System provides a variety of benefits, including the following:
Minimal incisions
With the da Vinci System, most procedures require only two or three tiny incisions.
Fewer complications
Minimally invasive surgery using the da Vinci system results in a lower risk of complications such as excessive blood loss and infections.
Faster healing
Because your incisions are smaller, you are likely to recuperate faster. That means you can get back to work, school, family, and your everyday activities quicker than you would with large abdominal incisions.
Open surgery usually requires several days of hospitalization and six to eight weeks of recovery time. But with minimally invasive robotic surgery, most of Dr. Crockett’s patients are home the same day as surgery and only require 12 days to fully recover.
Minimal pain
Most procedures that Dr. Crockett performs using the da Vinci System require only three to five narcotic pain pills during recovery.
To learn more about having surgery with the da Vinci System, call Virtuosa GYN today to schedule an appointment at our San Antonio office.
