Open Surgery
Open abdominal surgery or laparotomy refers to any surgical operation in which the abdomen is opened to access or inspect the organs of the abdominal cavity.
Traditionally, surgeons perform the majority of gynecologic surgery using an “open” approach, which is through a wide (6-12 inch) abdominal incision below the navel and through the abdominal muscle wall.
The skin incision can be either transverse (horizontal) or vertical. The transverse incision is usually an inch or so above the pubic bone. This type of incision is also known as a “bikini” incision. This is the most common type of incision used during C-section.
Open abdominal surgery can be painful, involving heavy pain medications, risk of infection, significant blood loss and increased risk for transfusion. After surgery, a long recovery (often 6 weeks) is usually necessary. In addition, many patients are not happy with the scar left by the incision.
While minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy) has been available for two decades now for many routine gynecologic procedures, most complex hysterectomy, myomectomies and sacrocolpopexies are performed using open surgery. This is because conventional laparoscopic technology can't provide surgeons the visualization, precision, dexterity and control required to handle challenges like large uteri, multiple adhesions from prior pelvic surgery.
Fortunately, today the vast majority of complex gynecologic conditions - from endometriosis to uterine fibroids, prolapse, heavy menstrual bleeding and cancer - can now be treated effectively without a big incision — with da Vinci ® Surgery.
da Vinci Surgery for gynecologic conditions requires only a few small incisions, so you can get back to life faster — within days rather than the usual weeks required with traditional surgery. Also, surgeons using the da Vinci System can operate using minimally invasive techniques on a wider range of women — even those with large uteri, high BMIs and adhesions due to prior pelvic procedures like C-section.
da Vinci Surgery enables physicians to perform the most precise, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery available today. If you have been told you aren't a candidate for minimally invasive surgery and that you need open surgery to resolve a gynecologic problem, it may be time to ask your doctor about da Vinci Surgery.
Learn more about da Vinci Surgery.
© 2000-2007 The StayWell Company, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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.