March 11, 2010

da Vinci Robotic Surgery

ActionNews: Less invasive surgery for women means less pain and downtime

How it Helps Patients:

Smaller incisions
Less pain
Lower risk of infection
Shorter hospital stay
Faster recovery
Less scarring & blood loss

See larger photos.

Procedures Dr. Hayes performs using the da Vinci® Surgical System:

More information:

Dr. Hayes is excited to be able to offer minimally invasive robotic surgery as an option to patients who require a complex surgery for relief of their symptoms. She was the first benign gyn surgeon in the area to offer robotics as an option for patients.

When medication and non-invasive procedures are unable to relieve symptoms, surgery remains the accepted and most effective treatment for a range of benign gynecologic conditions. These include, but are not limited to, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse and menorrhagia or excessive bleeding.

Traditional open gynecologic surgery, using a large incision for access to the uterus and surrounding anatomy, has for many years been the standard approach to many gynecologic procedures. Yet with open surgery can come significant pain, trauma, a long recovery process and threat to surrounding organs and nerves. For women facing gynecologic surgery, the period of pain, discomfort and extended time away from normal daily activities that usually follows traditional surgery can understandably cause significant anxiety.

Fortunately, less invasive options are available. Some gynecologic procedures enable surgeons to access the target anatomy using a vaginal approach, which may not require an external incision. But for complex hysterectomies and other gynecologic procedures, robot-assisted surgery with the da Vinci® Surgical System may be the most effective, least invasive treatment option. Through tiny, 1-2 cm incisions, surgeons using the da Vinci System* can operate with greater precision and control, minimizing the pain and risk associated with large incisions while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and excellent clinical outcomes.

The da Vinci is a state-of-the-art robotic-system designed to expand the surgeon's capabilities, providing patients with a minimally invasive option for many complex procedures. According to Dr. Hayes, "the robotic system seamlessly translates my hand movements into corresponding micro-movements of the miniaturized instruments positioned inside the patient. Two robotic arms, representing my left and right hands, hold the proprietary instruments. The instruments–which have more range of motion than the human hand–are inserted into patients through 1-2 cm incisions. The third arm holds the 3D camera, which I can easily reposition, zoom and rotate to adjust to my field of vision, from the console. The da Vinci System delivers a highly magnified view of the operative field, with bright, crisp images and natural depth-of-field, which enables me to perform delicate tissue dissection and suture with added precision–even in confined spaces."

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

Testimonial

"When my gynecologist told me I was finally going to get my hysterectomy, I was thrilled! I had suffered for years with painful heavy periods. When she told me she would only do it abdominally because of my previous C sections, I was crushed. I didn’t want ANOTHER big scar across my belly. I didn’t want to be out of work and unable to care for my family for 6 to 8 weeks.

Then my mother told me about Dr. Hayes and the new things she was doing with laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Hayes couldn’t have been nicer! She met with me and explained everything to me. She felt confident she could perform the surgery with the use of the da Vinci robot. I even discussed the possibility of having plastic surgery done at the same time and not only was she supportive; she offered to coordinate her schedule with the plastic surgeon.

After the surgery, I couldn’t believe how good I felt so fast and no big scar! I was back at work in about 3 weeks. I am so happy I had the surgery. I feel like I have my life back! Thank you Dr. Hayes!"

—Sally, 41 yrs old

More testimonials coming soon.