If you need gynecologic surgery, you probably have a number of options to choose from when it comes to the approach your surgeon will take. Robotic surgery might be one of those options, and it can be a great fit for many women.
At Interior Women’s Health, we offer state-of-the-art tools and techniques to help you reach and maintain optimal health and wellness. This includes the latest advancements in robotic surgical technology. Let’s take a closer look at why robotic surgery is so popular and the benefits it offers as compared to traditional open surgery.
When many people hear the term “robotic surgery,” they envision an old-school, blocky, silver robot hovering over an exam table, wielding menacing-looking, sharp tools. After all, we grew up with a specific, stylized image of what robots looked like and how they might eventually serve us in our daily lives.
The reality is far different, and robotics has transformed many industries that we depend on every day. When it comes to surgery, the first thing to know is that your (very) human surgeon is in complete control of the process from start to finish.
The robotics technology used in these surgical procedures is entirely controlled by human specialists, who guide the tissue alteration from a nearby console. The robotic system uses carefully calibrated “arms” to hold surgical instruments and move them in a manner directed by your physician.
One of the most significant benefits of robotic surgery is the ability to perform complex procedures with minimal incisions. Traditional surgical techniques, commonly called “open surgery,” require a substantial incision to give surgeons access to your internal structures.
This approach means a significant amount of tissue disruption. Simply creating and closing the large incision means more scarring and a more challenging recovery process. You’ll need to take care of the incision once you’re home, and limit your activities to avoid placing pressure on the incision site as it heals.
Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery. Only a few small incisions are required to allow a light and camera device to illuminate the internal tissues and project an image onto an external screen. Your surgeon uses this imaging to guide the movement of surgical instruments inserted into another small opening.
Recovering from robotic surgery is faster and easier, since there is less tissue to heal and a lower risk of infection at the incision sites.
Another reason why so many practitioners prefer robotic surgery is the reduced risk of complications during the procedure. These systems enable the performance of complex tissue alterations using precise, minute movements.
The degree of control and precision these surgical platforms provide reduces the risk that surrounding tissues will be unintentionally altered. In most cases, bleeding is minimized during robotic procedures, which helps your specialist maintain an optimal view of the surgical site and reduces the chance you’ll need a blood transfusion during the procedure. Most procedures can be done faster through robotic techniques, which reduces the amount of time you’ll need anesthesia.
Not every surgical procedure can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as robotic surgery. Your women’s health specialist will advise you on the available options. But if robotic surgery is an option, you may want to give it close consideration.
Robotic surgery is not a new concept, and significant advancements have been made since the development of this technology. Today’s platforms offer a degree of precision, dexterity, and flexibility that even the most well-trained and experienced human hand cannot begin to match.
As always, Karl Baurick, MD, and Doris Heilman, MD, are happy to meet with you to discuss your options. If you have questions or concerns about robotic surgery, you’ll receive all the details you need to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and goals. When you’re ready, reach out to Interior Women’s Health to book your visit.
