“It allows us to do complex procedures that a lot of times would have required a major incision so patients now go home the same day versus up to four days, which was the norm with large-incision surgery,” said Keith Watson, MD, with Yellow Springs OB/Gyn. “It can cut down on the pain that comes from conventional surgery and can reduce the risk for postoperative infections, postoperative pulmonary emboli and blood clots.”
Watson, who practices with Premier Physician Network, said robotic surgery is most commonly used to take care of ovarian cysts, endometriosis, hysterectomies and large fibroid uteri. It also has become the gold standard for malignant issues such as endometrial cancer.
“Robotic surgery is much more common now, but women need to know that there are times when a patient is not the ideal candidate for the procedure,” he said. “Women also should feel the freedom to inquire about her physician’s experience with the procedure and the hospital in which it will be done.”
Things to consider prior to robotic surgery:
It's not for everyone. Patients who have respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) or cardiac issues are not always good candidates. That's because robotic surgery requires a patient be placed at a steep incline, causing the heart and lungs to work harder. Whether or not you have had previous abdominal surgery may also need to be considered.
It's tried and true. Robotic surgery, while sometimes seen as futuristic, has a track record stretching back at least 10 years in the local market. Still, Watson encourages patients to inquire about the experience of their physician prior to agreeing to undergo it. Questions patients may want to ask their physician include: How many robotic surgeries have you done? Where did you receive your training? How long have you been doing the procedure? And how do you keep up-to-date on the latest information about this type of procedure?
It's an option worth exploring. Robotic surgery is fairly well-known, but Watson said there are times when women either do not know it is available or have hesitation about doing it. The risks are low compared to those of conventional surgery. Women should feel free to do their own research as well as ask plenty of questions about the procedure with their physician.
For more information on robotic surgery or to find a Premier Physician Network physician near you, go online to www.premierhealthspecialists.org/obgyn.
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