At Liberty Hospital, gynecologists are using a new surgery to remove the uterus called a laparoscopic hysterectomy.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a hysterectomy may be done to treat conditions that affect the uterus. Some reasons a hysterectomy may be needed include:
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic support problems, such as uterine prolapse
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Cancer
- Chronic pelvic pain
The procedure can also be completed using Liberty Hospital's
da Vinci robotic surgical system. Using the robot, the surgeon is seated at a console viewing a 3-D image of the surgical field. The surgeon’s fingers grasp the master controls, and the system seamlessly translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of surgical instruments inside the patient. Using a high-powered camera, the surgeon guides the robot’s “hands” into four dime-sized incisions. Learn more about the da Vinci robotic system.
Why it’s better
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is the least invasive method available, including an abdominal, vaginal or even the laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy. The surgery is performed using laparoscopic equipment and high-definition cameras. This allows the doctor to remove the uterus through three tiny incisions in the abdomen. Recovery time is much shorter than with a traditional hysterectomy. Most patients are able to return home the next day and resume their normal activities within three weeks.
Although many women are candidates for this minimally invasive procedure, only 10 percent of all gynecologists in the nation perform laparoscopic hysterectomies. This procedure requires additional surgical training, as well as the more advanced equipment available at Liberty Hospital.
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