da Vinci® Hysterectomy For Early Stage Gynecologic Cancer
The Condition:
Early Stage Gynecologic CancerA wide variety of gynecologic cancers can affect a woman's reproductive system - the uterus, vagina, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The uterus is a hollow, muscular organ that holds a baby as it grows inside a pregnant woman. The fallopian tubes and ovaries are located on either side of the uterus.
The most common types of gynecologic cancers are cervical , endometrial (uterine) , and ovarian cancer . The specific type of cancer a woman has and how advanced it is, determines her treatment options.
Women with early stage gynecologic cancer are often treated with hysterectomy - the surgical removal of the uterus. During this procedure, the doctor may also remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and/or select lymph nodes.
The Treatment:
HysterectomyHysterectomy is the second most common surgical procedure for women in the United States . An estimated one in three women in the U.S. will have a hysterectomy before turning 60. If you have a gynecologic cancer such as endometrial or cervical cancer, hysterectomy may be your best treatment option. The type of hysterectomy you have will depend on your medical history, health and the extent of the cancer growth.
Traditional hysterectomies for gynecologic cancers are performed using open abdominal surgery, requiring a long vertical incision (from the pubic bone to just above the navel). An open abdominal hysterectomy can be painful, involve strong medications, a risk of infection, and significant blood loss during surgery.
After surgery, a long recovery (typically 6 weeks) is necessary, and many times this recovery may happen while you are undergoing a secondary treatment (radiation or chemotherapy). In addition, many patients are not happy with the large scar and abdominal muscle weakness caused by the incision.
da Vinci ® Hysterectomy:
A Less Invasive Surgical Procedure
If your doctor recommends a hysterectomy, you may be a candidate for an innovative, less invasive surgical procedure called da Vinci Hysterectomy. This procedure uses the da Vinci ® Surgical System . It is 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 several potential benefits over traditional surgical approaches, including:
- Significantly less pain 2
- Minimal blood loss and need for transfusion 11,3
- Fewer complications 11,12
- Shorter hospital stay 11,12
- Quicker recovery and return to normal activities 1,2
- Small incisions for minimal scarring
- Better outcomes and patient satisfaction, in many cases 11
By overcoming the limitations of both traditional open and laparoscopic surgery, da Vinci is revolutionizing gynecologic surgery for women. That's why more and more women are choosing da Vinci Surgery for their hysterectomy.
1. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch242/ch242b.html#sec22-ch242-ch242b-83
2. http://www.nccn.org/patients/patient_gls/_english/_pain/2_assessment.asp
3. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch252/ch252f.html?qt=pain%20during%20intercourse&alt=sh
10. http://womenshealth.gov/faq/hysterectomy.htm
11. Boggess JF. Robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology: evolution of a new surgical paradigm. J Robotic Surg 2007 1:31-3
While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.