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The Da Vinci Robot controlled hysterectomy is one step beyond traditional laparoscopy. One of the main problems with open surgeries were incisions, which meant more pain, scarring, loss of blood, longer hospital stays, increased risk of infections, slower recovery and slower return to normal life. Laparoscopy turns that around, but robotic surgery ups the ante even more.

Here is how it is summarized in article Baptist Hospital now offers robot-assisted hysterectomies:

Traditional open-incision hysterectomies generally require 5-to-12-inch incisions, 3-to-4 days of hospitalization and 6-to-8 weeks off work. Dr. Thomas-Doyle reserves those surgeries for more complicated cases. She has long preferred using less-invasive laparoscopic techniques for her hysterectomy patients. With laparoscopy the large open incision is replaced by a handful of button-size cuts — or ports — through which instruments, including a viewing camera, are inserted and manipulated. Patients remain in the hospital for 24 hours and can return to normal activities in about three weeks.

The da Vinci system takes laparoscopy to the next level: robotic surgery. Visualization is greatly improved with da Vinci robotics. With traditional laparoscopy, the surgeon’s movements must be performed in “mirror image” of what she is doing. The three-dimensional, high-definition da Vinci camera corrects this electronically, allowing a more natural view for the surgeon. The viewing field also can be magnified up to 12 times actual size.

Additionally, da Vinci robotics provides surgeons with an incredible degree of precision. The system bypasses human limitations by correcting unintentional tremor and allowing greater flexibility. While both traditional laparoscopy and robotic surgery result in less discomfort and quicker recovery, the exquisite precision provided by the da Vinci system allows more complex cases to be performed less invasively.

Of course, we at this site, want women to avoid hysterectomy in the first place, however, if it must come to that, the da Vinci robotic surgery may be the way to go, if available to you. Here is the link at youTube.com where you can see the procedure in its entirety:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4jX6_Fq6VU

It is over 1 hour long. (Clicking on that link will open a new window, embedding this particular video is forbidden upon request.)

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