If you need a hysterectomy for endometrial cancer (EC), robotic surgery is one option that may be offered to you. Compared to a traditional hysterectomy that requires a long incision, robotic-assisted hysterectomies usually involve quicker, less painful recoveries.
What is a robotic-assisted hysterectomy?
During a robotic-assisted hysterectomy to remove your uterus, the surgeon will make small incisions in your abdomen and insert instruments that are attached to a robotic system. You can think of the robotic system as the control center from where your surgeon will operate and monitor everything that happens throughout your hysterectomy. The system’s instruments act as the doctor’s hands and fingers, but with more precision and flexibility.
A robotic-assisted hysterectomy shares similarities with a laparoscopic hysterectomy — such as small incisions — but there are key differences. In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, your surgeon stands above you and manually controls the surgical instruments. In a robotic-assisted hysterectomy, your surgeon will sit at a console and uses a controller to move the robotic system’s instruments.
If the idea of robotic surgery gives you pause, don’t worry: Your surgeon will be in control throughout the entire procedure. At no time during the surgery will the equipment be able to move on its own.
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You may hear your doctor mention the da Vinci Surgical System. This is the name of the apparatus that’s most widely used during robotic-assisted surgeries.
What to expect during your robotic-assisted hysterectomy
Before the surgery begins, you will have an intravenous line (IV) placed in your arm that your healthcare team will use to administer anesthesia. You will be asleep through the hysterectomy, and won’t feel a thing.
Your surgeon will be in the operating room at all times, but will be seated at the console. They will be able to choose from a series of surgical instruments attached to the apparatus. Using hand and foot controls, they will carefully maneuver the correct tool with the help of a monitor that shows a high-definition, magnified view of the surgery in real time. Most robotic-assisted hysterectomies take around two to four hours.
When you’re asleep, a healthcare provider may place a catheter to help keep your bladder empty during the surgery. You might still have the catheter when you wake up, which could cause some discomfort. Most patients can have the catheter removed within a few hours to days of the surgery.
Postsurgery recovery tips
After a robotic hysterectomy, you should be able to go home the same day or the next day. Full recovery will usually take anywhere from four to six weeks, but there are several steps you can take to help your recovery go more smoothly:
- Keep your incisions dry: For the first few days after your surgery, take care to keep your incisions dry to avoid infections and keep the stitches or surgical glue protected.
- Walk a little every day: Engaging in light physical activity can assist with healing by helping to prevent blood clots and keeping your muscles strong.
- Avoid heavy lifting: Heavy lifting can put strain on the pelvic area, which can hinder the healing process and possibly cause complications that will require even more surgeries.
- Use a heating pad: Putting a heating pad on your abdomen can help relieve pain. Be sure not to leave it on for long periods at a time, though, as this could cause skin irritation.
- Wear compression stockings: Ask your doctor about using compression stockings to help prevent blood clots during your recovery.
Fortunately, robotic-assisted hysterectomies generally mean fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and less pain than traditional hysterectomies.
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