Gynecological Surgery
When a woman faces a medical condition that affects her uterus, the hollow, muscular organ that holds and feeds a fertilized egg, the emotional and physical impacts can often be challenging. These conditions include cervical and uterine cancers such as endometrial cancer, uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, excessive bleeding (menorrhagia) and endometriosis.
Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, is more common among women after menopause. Standard treatment options include hormone therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hysterectomy are also used to treat cervical cancer.
Uterine fibroids are often treated with myomectomy, a surgical procedure that preserves the uterus.
Benign (non-cancerous) conditions like menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) can often be treated with non-surgical treatments like hormone therapy or minimally invasive ablative therapies.
Endometriosis, also known as endometrial hyperplasia, is a condition in which the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing scarring, pain and heavy bleeding. It can often damage the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Treatment options are as varied as the conditions themselves. A woman's age, medical history, surgical history and diagnosis (benign or cancerous) all factor into the recommended course of action. When medication and non-invasive procedures are unable to relieve symptoms, surgery remains the accepted and most effective treatment for a range of gynecologic conditions.
Traditional open gynecologic surgery, using a large incision for access to the uterus and surrounding anatomy, has for many years been the standard approach to many gynecologic procedures. Open surgery can cause significant pain, trauma and a long recovery process.
Some gynecologic procedures enable surgeons to access the target anatomy using a vaginal approach, which may not require an external incision. But for complex hysterectomies and other gynecologic procedures, robot-assisted surgery may be the most effective, least invasive treatment option. Through tiny, one to two centimenter incisions, surgeons can operate with greater precision and control, minimizing the pain and risk associated with large incisions while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and excellent clinical outcomes.
Woodland Heights Medical Center offers the following minimally-invasive, robotic surgical procedures for uterine conditions:
For more information on robotic surgery, please consult with your surgeon or find one here.
Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks and benefits of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation.