At Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we always start with conservative treatments for gynecological conditions, but if they’re not effective, we may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to get the results you need to feel better.
Our team of experienced physicians specializes in using the robot-assisted daVinci® platform to perform some procedures; this enhances precision, minimizes complications, and aids in a faster recovery. Here’s what you need to know.
Gynecology surgery addresses any organ or structure in a woman’s pelvic region. These include the uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
The procedure may be used to confirm a diagnosis or to treat a condition like ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS — also known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS), endometriosis, fibroids, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or uterine prolapse, among others.
The doctor can also use a minimally invasive procedure as a means of permanent birth control.
The most common minimally invasive technique is laparoscopy.
First, the doctor makes several tiny incisions in the abdomen to access the organs in the pelvic region. Next, she inserts a laparoscope (a flexible tube with a light and a camera at the end) through one incision. It illuminates the field of view and transmits images to a monitor so she can get a clear view of the area in which she’s working.
The doctor can use the images to help confirm or refute a diagnosis. She can also remove abnormal tissue or repair damage by inserting minute tools through another of the incisions.
At Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, the robot-assisted daVinci platform is our go-to approach for abdominal hysterectomies.
In a robot-assisted hysterectomy, the platform doesn’t perform the surgery; it’s only a tool. The surgeon completely controls the surgical procedure.
The daVinci control console is in the operating room along with the patient. The surgeon sits at the console, controlling the robot’s movements from there. She sees incredibly precise images of the surgical area, much better than those that standard laparoscopy can provide.
A major advantage of using the daVinci system is that the “hands” are smaller than human hands, which both makes them capable of very fine and precise movements and allows them to reach into small spaces where a human hand isn’t able to fit.
The system also provides several important advantages to the patient. Because the incisions used are so small, there’s less blood loss, less pain, and less risk of complications like infection following the procedure. All this allows for a faster recovery, so you can return to your daily life more quickly.
If you’re struggling with pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or other gynecologic symptoms that are interfering with your life, and if conservative treatments haven’t worked, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure, including one with the daVinci platform, to address the problem.
To learn more, call Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC at 615-907-2040 or book your appointment online with us today.
