About 2 decades ago, the introduction of laparoscopy in gynecology (surgery for women) was a game changer as it became possible to do many gynecological surgeries without making large incisions. However even after so many years still the majority of hysterectomies, myomectomies and other gynecological surgeries are still done by open method.
The introduction of Robotic assisted Laparoscopy was approved by US FDA in 2005 and is rapidly finding its place in gynecological surgeries.
Robotic surgery is an advanced computer enhanced laparoscopic surgery that helps the surgeon to perform precise & detailed surgery. Robotic instruments can access hard-to-reach areas of the human body more easily especially in pelvis during gynecological surgeries. Contrary to the myth, it is the surgeon and her skill that determines the outcome of the surgery and not the robot.
The potential advantages of the robotic systems to women
1. Less chance of converting to open.
2. Less Scarring- Due to precise movement, tissue trauma is less.
3. Minimal Blood Loss- With better dissection in the right planes and the ability to suture more quickly, there is significantly less intra-operative blood loss.
4. Less post-operative pain- Patients also experience faster healing with less post-operative pain.
5. Faster recovery- Due to faster healing most patients are able to go home in 24 to 48 hours and resume their normal activities within 2 weeks. Unlike 6 weeks as in open surgeries.
6. Excellent suturing- The excellent precision and visualization offered by the da Vinci SI robotic surgery enhances the surgeon's ability to suture the uterus so the future pregnancy outcome is good.
The potential advantages of the robotic systems to surgeon
1. 3D magnified vision
2. Ability to use instruments just like human wrist
3. Can reach inaccessible areas and perform precise & complete surgery
In the last one year of Robotic gynecological surgeries, Apollo Hospital has done complex & difficult hysterectomies (removal of uterus), Myomectomies (large sizes and multiple in number) and endometriosis. There was no need to convert them to open surgeries in any of these cases, giving benefit to our women and bringing a smile on their faces. This technology gives an opportunity for a significant paradigm shift in the surgical management of a gynecological disease that is typically prevalent in obese, postmenopausal women. These have higher risk of wound complications if undergo laparotomy. Minimally invasive surgery, specifically with robotic assistance, has increased the possibilities of performing minimally invasive surgery in morbidly obese women
INDICATIONS FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY IN GYNECOLOGY
1.MYOMECTOMY 2.COMPLEX HYSTERECTOMIES 3.ENDOMETRIOSIS 4.OVARIAN TRANSPOSITION 5.SACRPCOLPOPEXY.
Robotic Gynaecology Workshop
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad is hosting a one day ROBOTIC GYNAECOLOGY WORKSHOP, for the first time in this part of the country, on Sunday 8th September, 2013, at Apollo Health City, Hyderabad. The workshop will have live demonstration of Robotic Hysterectomy & Robotic Myomectomy (removal of fibroids). The faculty for the workshop comprises of World renowned Minimally Invasive Gynaecologist from USA, Dr Meenakshi Jain and Dr Rooma Sinha, Dr Anuradha Panda & Dr Priyamvada Reddy, Senior Consultant Gynaecologists & Robotic surgeons at Apollo Health City, Hyderabad. Dr Meenakshi Jain will render a lecture on ‘ROLE OF ROBOTIC SURGERY IN PELVIC PAIN IN WOMEN’ on the occasion.
Dr Meenakshi Jain, Dr Rooma Sinha, Dr Anuradha Panda and Dr Priyamvada Reddy were present at the press conference and briefed the media.
