What exactly is this method of operation?
This method is another minimally invasive option for women facing gynaecologic surgery such as a hysterectomy. With da Vinci, surgeons make just a few small incisions - similar to traditional laparoscopy. This system features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and special wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist. As a result, da Vinci enables Dr Land to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control.
State-of-the-art da Vinci uses the latest in surgical and robotics technologies and is beneficial for performing complex surgery. Dr Land is 100% in control of the da Vinci System, which translates his hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body.
Physicians have used this system successfully worldwide in approximately 1.5 million various surgical procedures to date. It is changing the experience of surgery for people around the world.
What can be done with the da Vinci robotic system?
Virtually any gynaecological procedure that has been done as an open or conventional operation previously can now be done with the da Vinci system including hysterectomy, ovarian cysts, fibroid removal, treatment of endometriosis, treatment of adhesions, Uterine and cervical cancer treatments including lymph node assessment, and some ovarian cancers. There are still times that an open (laparotomy) procedure may be necessary for a variety of reasons which Dr Land will discuss with you; however a majority of cases are treated very successfully with the robotic approach. Prior operations and obesity are not contraindications for this system.
What are the benefits of robotic surgery?
Compared to open surgery, this method has less blood loss, fewer complications, shorter stay and minimal scarring. When compared to conventional non-robotic laparoscopic surgery there are still advantages of less blood loss, lower conversion rate to open surgery, shorter hospital stay and less need for narcotic pain medicine.
The new single site da Vinci approach will also have the benefit of less incisions (only one incision!)
The major advantage to this is that recovery times are shortened considerably with less pain, less blood loss and complications such as wound infection with an earlier return to normal function and quality of life. The cosmetic advantage is very evident as there is minimal scarring.
How long does this take?
The procedure may take between 60 minutes for a simple procedure up to 3 hours for a complicated cervical or endometrial cancer procedure or major resection of endometriosis / adhesions. An average da Vinci Hysterectomy procedure takes around 60-90 minutes with a total hospital stay of just 1-2 days post operatively.
Is it safe?
With all types of surgery there is a risk involved. However, this particular approach compares very favourably to the open approach and indeed conventional laparoscopic surgery. Your individual circumstances including history/ examination and imaging will be evaluated by Dr Land and a preoperative discussion will outline possible complications and risk factors for your particular procedure. There is always a small chance that unforeseen circumstances may dictate that your procedure requires an open approach but this is very uncommon and occurs in < 1% of cases that are planned to proceed with this approach.
When can I drive?
Generally after open surgery patients are encouraged to refrain from driving for a minimum of 4 weeks. Depending on what you have had done, you may be able to drive within 5 days providing you are not taking any strong pain killers and can comfortably use all foot pedals/gear sticks and mirrors. Please consult your insurer if you have any doubts.
What do I do with dressings and stitches?
I generally use sutures (stiches) which are not visible and do not require removal. Sometimes the ends of the sutures may be visible through the incision line up to a couple of weeks following the procedure. These will generally dissolve and fall away by themselves. If the wounds or any other part of the suture material is bothering you please contact the rooms or your local GP for review. Most incisions are now dressed with a skin glue and this just washes off itself over the course of 10-14 days. You are able to get this wet in the shower immediately after discharge from hospital.
Speak with our Brisbane centre to learn more
For further information regarding robotic hysterectomy surgery or any other operations that can be performed using this method in Brisbane, please get in touch by calling (07) 3847 7879 or using our online enquiry form.