Laparoscopic Assisted Robotic Myomectomy
University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, offers robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy, the surgical removal of uterine fibroids. The procedure leaves the uterus intact.
Many infertility patients have uterine fibroids, or growths in the muscle of the uterus, which can interfere with conception.
Research has shown that removing the fibroids can help a woman achieve pregnancy.
Our Generations Fertility Care specialists are currently using robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy to remove fibroids in women experiencing difficulty conceiving.
For large fibroids on the outside of the uterus, traditional surgery required a large incision in the abdomen. Patients were typically hospitalized and experienced longer post-operative recovery.
An alternative to traditional surgery is a robotic myomectomy. Robotic myomectomy can be used for fibroids 3-10 cm in size.
The robot's arms are fitted with five to eight millimeter surgical instruments.
The surgeon controls the robot using special handles.
During a robotic myomectomy, the physician uses the state-of-the-art da Vinci® robot to perform the procedure.
Seated only a few feet away from the operating table, the physician views the patient's anatomy through a screen that produces a 3-D image magnified ten times. He controls the robot that operates on the patient by carefully maneuvering a pair of knobs.
On the patient's end, the robot's arms are fitted with five to eight millimeter surgical instruments and a small camera scope that provides a detailed view of the patient.
Many patients go home the same day as the procedure, though an overnight stay may be required depending on the condition.
The benefits of a robotic myomectomy may include:
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Quicker return to normal activities
- Less risk of wound infection
- Less blood loss
- Less scarring