Minimally Invasive Surgery Specialist

What is minimally-invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery uses very small incisions and special instruments, some equipped with cameras, to avoid the need for large incisions. Many minimally-invasive surgeries rely on a special instrument called a laparoscope, a thin, flexible instrument equipped with a camera that sends detailed images back to a computer screen for viewing. Some newer techniques use surgical robots to perform very complex or detailed procedures, increasing precision and improving patient outcomes. Because these techniques use small incisions, they cause less bleeding, less tissue damage, and less discomfort, and they’re also associated with fewer complications and faster healing compared to traditional surgical techniques that use larger incisions.

What is da Vinci robot-assisted surgery?

The da Vinci surgical robot is a state-of-the-art surgical intervention that helps the surgeon complete very complex portions of a surgical procedure with greater accuracy and precision. Many people think “surgical robots” perform surgery on their own, but actually, these robots are instruments that are guided by the surgeon using highly-detailed, magnified, 3D images transmitted to a video monitor. During the procedure, the surgeon’s movements are translated” by the robot, which uses special software to enhance those movements, effectively increasing the surgeon’s own motions. The da Vinci robot is extremely mobile with far greater dexterity than any human, making it an ideal choice for surgery in small spaces and for intricate portions or procedures that rely on a high degree of accuracy for optimal results.

When can minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery be used?

Both laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery techniques can be used to treat an array of gynecological issues, including tumors, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, heavy menstrual bleeding, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic pain, and they’re also used for procedures like hysterectomy (removal of all or part of the uterus) and oophorectomy (removal of one or both ovaries). While many women can benefit from a minimally invasive approach to surgery, these techniques are not always the ideal choice. A comprehensive examination will be performed prior to any surgical procedure to ensure the best approach is selected for optimal results.