Robotic Assisted Surgery

Drs. Blumenthal and Streicher were the first general gynecologic surgeons to be certified in performing robotic surgery utilizing the DaVinci System at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

The majority of the hysterectomies and myomectomies performed every year are done through a 6-8 inch abdominal incision requiring a 3-4 night hospital stay and a 6 week recovery. Many surgeries that once were destined to be done through a traditional incision can now be performed robotically, resulting in shorter operating times, less blood loss, less complications, and much shorter recoveries. While we perform the majority of hysterectomies laparoscopically we can't always get the visualization needed to do highly technical work laparoscopically and must resort to a traditional incision. Many myomectomies are performed through traditional incisions because of the extensive stitching that is required in uterine reconstruction.

That's where robotics comes in.

Robotic surgery, like laparoscopic surgery, is a minimally invasive technique, (i.e. uses tiny incisions). It was originally developed by the military as a way of operating on wounded soldiers that couldn't get to a surgeon, so the surgeon (via the robot) would operate remotely. Instead of the surgeon using his or her hands to move the instruments, the surgeon sits at a console and moves levers to control the robots "arms" and maneuver instruments, which have been placed into the patient by the "on-site" surgeon. The robot instruments can do things traditional laparoscopic instruments cannot, like twist, turn, and maneuver around corners. In addition, the technology allows the surgeon to have a magnified 3- D perspective, almost like standing inside the body while operating. The result is the ability to see and do things that can't be done with laparoscopic surgery, or even traditional open incision surgery. While robotic surgery is designed to be performed remotely, we perform robotic surgery sitting at a console in the same room as the patient, and a secondary surgeon standing in the traditional spot next to the patient. In the event that a procedure can't be completed robotically and an incision needs to be made, both surgeons are in the room and can proceed.

Keep in mind that while robotic surgery may allow you to have a laparoscopic procedure that otherwise couldn't be performed laparoscopically; many surgeries and hysterectomies can be safely performed laparoscopically without the benefit of the robot. We will let you know the benefit of a robotic surgery and if you are a candidate.