What is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove a woman’s uterus. Hysterectomies are done for a wide array of reasons which can include care for:
- Adenomyosis, or the thickening of the uterus
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids which are causing pain and bleeding
- Uterine prolapse which occurs when the uterus slips from its correct position into the vaginal canal
A hysterectomy is traditionally only performed when other treatment options have not succeeded. When treating cancer, it is usually performed to keep the cancer from spreading to another area.
What is a Robotic Hysterectomy?
In a laparoscopic, robotic-assisted hysterectomy, the surgeon employs a computer to maneuver the surgical instruments. The computer station is located in the OR, or operating room. The robot's movements are exceptionally steady and precise. This allows the doctor to move into tiny spaces easily and he or she will have a better view of the patient’s uterus and what the tools are doing during this surgery than with conventional laparoscopic surgery. This procedure is continually updated with new information obtained from research in order to improve the technique. A few reasons why a robotic-assisted hysterectomy may be suggested are:
- Patients will have smaller incisions than with an open type of hysterectomy.
- Patients usually have less pain and a shorter hospital stay.
- Patients recovery can be easier.
- Patients risk for complications, such as bleeding or infection, are reduced.
What Should I Expect After the Hysterectomy?
If the ovaries were removed as well during the procedure, the woman will begin menopause. If they were not involved in the surgery, it is still possible to enter menopause sooner than anticipated. For six weeks following the surgery it is recommended that patients avoid lifting heavy objects and sexual intercourse. The method has been known to effectively eliminate many problems and the associated symptoms.
