Robot assisted hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove the uterus. It’s typically performed for various medical reasons,
including:
1.Uterine fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and other symptoms.
2.Endometriosis: A condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, leading to pain and possible infertility.
3.Uterine prolapse: When the uterus slips from its normal position into the vagina.
4.Abnormal uterine bleeding: Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding.
5.Chronic pelvic pain: Long term pain in the pelvic region that may be caused by various conditions affecting the uterus.
6.Gynecologic cancers: In some cases, hysterectomy may be performed to treat cancers such as uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer.
The technique Robot assisted hysterectomy involves several key steps:
1.Preparation: Before surgery, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI. Blood tests may also be performed.
2.Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they remain unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.
3.Placement of instruments: The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen, through which robotic surgical instruments and a tiny camera are inserted. This provides a magnified view of the pelvic organs on a monitor.
4.Separation of uterus: Using the robotic instruments inserted through the incisions, the robot carefully separates the uterus from surrounding tissues, including ligaments and blood vessels. This step may involve cutting and sealing blood vessels to minimize bleeding.
5.Removal of uterus: Once the uterus is completely detached, it is usually cut into smaller pieces to facilitate its removal through the small incisions. In some cases, the uterus may be removed intact through the vagina or morcellated (cut into smaller pieces).
6.Closure: After the uterus is removed, the robot checks for any bleeding and then closes the incisions with sutures or surgical staples. Sometimes, dissolvable sutures are used, eliminating the need for removal later.
7.Recovery: Following the procedure, the patient is monitored in a recovery area until they wake up from anesthesia. Most patients are discharged from the hospital within 24 hours and can resume normal activities within a few weeks, depending on individual recovery and the nature of their surgery.
Robotic Assisted Hysterectomy offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. However, it may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with certain medical conditions or extensive pelvic scarring.