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The da Vinci Difference: the Advantages of Robotic Hysterectomy

Tahoe Women's Care Blog The da Vinci Difference: the Advantages of Robotic Hysterectomy
The da Vinci Difference: the Advantages of Robotic Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy removes your uterus, so you have no chance of ever getting pregnant again. Hysterectomy can also treat conditions affecting the uterus, like endometriosis or fibroids, which can cause ongoing pain or bleeding between periods. 

If you’d like the benefits of a hysterectomy but hesitate to get one due to the drawbacks of surgery, we’ve got great news. A robotic da Vinci® hysterectomy is an easier and often safer way to remove your uterus. 

Our seasoned gynecologist at Tahoe Women’s Care in Carson City, Nevada, Dr. Gary Willen, performs da Vinci hysterectomies. Robotic hysterectomies are minimally invasive and can treat the following conditions: 

You can also have a hysterectomy as a form of permanent birth control. 

Compared to conventional abdominal hysterectomies, minimally invasive and robotic hysterectomies offer significant advantages.

How a robotic hysterectomy works

The da Vinci surgical system and other robotic systems give Dr. Willen precise control while performing your hysterectomy. 

Once the general anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Willen makes several small incisions in your abdomen. He manipulates small instruments and a lighted camera through the tiny incisions. The instruments and camera are attached to robotic arms, which Dr. Willen can control from a nearby computer console. On the monitor, he has a three-dimensional view of your organs. 

After he has removed your uterus with this system, Dr. Willen closes the small incisions with stitches and bandages. 

Key advantages of da Vinci hysterectomies

In some ways, the da Vinci system streamlines the process of a hysterectomy. It also sets the stage for an easier recovery. Here are the advantages you can expect:

1. Little or no scarring

When the small incisions heal after surgery, they’re usually much less noticeable than the larger surgical scar from a traditional abdominal hysterectomy. 

2. Less pain

You can expect some discomfort when healing from surgery. However, since the incisions with robotic surgery are smaller than incisions with open abdominal surgery, you may experience less pain. 

3. Minimal blood loss

You lose less blood during a minimally invasive surgery than you would during an open surgery, while accomplishing the same goal. 

4. A speedy recovery

You can return to work and everyday activities faster after da Vinci hysterectomy. You can expect to be back to your usual routine in as little as two weeks after surgery compared to 6-8 weeks after a traditional abdominal hysterectomy. You still need to avoid having sex for about six weeks.

5. A shorter hospital stay

You can expect to stay overnight after getting a da Vinci hysterectomy. With an abdominal hysterectomy, the usual hospital stay is slightly longer. 

6. Fewer complications

Any surgery, including minimally invasive surgeries, comes with risks. You’re less likely to experience complications such as infections and damage to nearby organs thanks to da Vinci’s small incisions and precision. 

Learn more about the da Vinci difference

Dr. Willen can tell you if you’re a candidate for a da Vinci hysterectomy and walk you through the process. Call Tahoe Women’s Care or book an appointment online to explore the advantages today.

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