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Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robotic-Assisted Gynecologic Surgery
Gynecologic SurgeryMany gynecologic surgeries are performed by laparoscopy and the use of several small incisions in the abdomen (e.g., minimally invasive) and have been for years. This means surgeries such as hysterectomy, fibroid removal, correction of endometriosis or ovarian cysts, treatment of adhesions and uterine prolapse can be treated with only three to five small (half inch) incisions on the abdomen instead of a large open incision. The addition of robotic technology allows gynecologic surgeons to perform even harder surgeries (larger fibroids, cysts or uterus, more difficult endometriosis or adhesions) with the same little incisions. In robotic surgery, the surgeon operates the instruments connected to the robot. The surgical robot does not do anything on its own. The following are types of gynecologic surgeries performed at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin.
General Gynecology (hysterectomy, ovarian cysts and adhesions)
Infertility (fibroids and endometriosis)
Urogynecology (vaginal and uterine prolapse)
Gynecologic Oncology (uterine, cervical and ovarian cancer)
General Gynecology and Robotic Surgery Many gynecologic surgeries have been performed with the use of the laparoscope (minimally invasive with three to five small incisions) for many years. These surgeries include tubal ligation, treatment of tubal pregnancies, removal of small ovarian cysts, removal of small fibroids (benign tumors on the uterus) and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) when the uterus is small. With increasing technology, more complex surgeries can be accomplished in the same minimally invasive manner. The introduction of the surgical robot is just another step toward making it possible to perform more complex surgeries with small incisions. Now, surgeries for an enlarged uterus (even as large as those extending up to the patient’s belly button) or surgeries to resolve severe adhesions from many previous operations can be performed with little incisions. If you have been advised that you need a gynecologic surgery with a large incision on your abdomen, please consider calling us to see if the same surgery can be done with small incisions using the surgical robot.
Gynecologic surgeons who perform robotic surgery:
Julianne Newcomer, MD
Raj Narayan, MD
Mary Burke, MD
Tyshunda Manning, MD
Infertility and Robotic SurgeryPhysicians in the Reproductive Medicine Center offer robotic laparoscopic surgery for a wide variety of female reproductive disorders including uterine fibroids, fallopian tube repair and endometriosis.
These Medical College of Wisconsin infertility specialists are trained in robotic-assisted surgery:
Paul Robb, MD
Jay Sandlow, MD
Estil Strawn, Jr., MD
For an appointment with one of the physicians in the Reproductive Medicine Center, please call 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666.
Urogynecology and Robotic Surgery (Gynecology + Urology)After childbirth, many women experience problems of vaginal bulging or pressure resulting from the bladder, rectum or uterus falling down. This is also associated with leaking urine. Most surgeries for these conditions are done vaginally (with no incisions on the abdomen).
However, one surgery is particularly effective for treatment of the falling uterus (or top of the vagina if the uterus is gone). This surgery is called a sacrocolpopexy. The procedure has been performed for more than 40 years, but in the past, it has been done with a long incision on the abdomen. Most of the uterus is removed, leaving only the cervix, and a piece of mesh is attached to the cervix and secured inside to the surface of the sacrum (back bone of the pelvis). If the uterus is already gone, the mesh is placed to the top of the vagina and secured to the sacrum in a similar manner.
Now, sacrocolpopexy can be done with the assistance of the surgical robot and five small incisions on the abdomen. While the above procedure does involve the use of mesh (making the surgery more durable), it does NOT involve the vaginal placement of mesh that is the focus of a recent FDA warning. As always, you should discuss all of your options and their risks and benefits for your individual situation with your healthcare provider.
For more information, please make an appointment with one of our physicians in the Women’s Incontinence and Sexual Health (WISH) Program.
Medical College of Wisconsin urogynecologists trained in robotic surgery:
Julianne Newcomer, MD
Sumana Koduri, MD
Gynecologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery (uterine, cervical and ovarian cancer)At Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin gynecologic oncologists have adapted the da Vinci robot to a wide range of uses in the management of benign and malignant disease. Each member of the faculty uses the latest da Vinci system technology for hysterectomy, cancer staging (removal of lymph nodes and other extra-uterine masses), and other complex pelvic and abdominal surgery. The majority of patients with endometrial cancer are offered minimally invasive surgery, and can have their surgical assessment completed without the use of a large incision (laparotomy). Medical College of Wisconsin gynecologic oncologists use the robot for evaluation of early ovarian cancer, as well as for cervical cancer. If needed, they use the robot for evaluation of pelvic masses for complex cases in which traditional laparoscopy would be limited in order to avoid laparotomy. The depth and breadth of our experience means we consider robotic-assisted surgical options for any eligible patient.
Medical College of Wisconsin gynecologic oncologists trained in robotic surgery:
Janet Rader, MD
Denise Uyar, MD
William Bradley, MD
To explore your treatment options with a gynecologic oncologist, please call 414- 805-0505 or 866-680-0505 for an appointment. You can also learn more about the Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Gynecologic Cancer Program by visiting our web pages.
Last Review Date: March 2012 |
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