Robotic Surgeries

Dr. Nicola Pemberton works with the Da Vinci Robot for Minimally Invasive OB/GYN surgeries.

The da Vinci robot is now serving as a phenomenal tool for gynecologists to use in what are considered to be the more challenging surgical procedures. Now we have a laparoscopic procedure using a robot which enables us to manipulate the tissues with more dexterity and precision than just doing a standard laparoscopy. Not only is the robot safe and effective, it is also minimally-invasive.

Using the da Vinci Robotic system you have better visualization, improved depth perception and better dexterity and manipulation. This equates to a better operation. In addition to facilitating easier movement, the da Vinci system offers HD vision that allows you to see blood vessels and tissues up close, allowing more accuracy with the surgery.

The robot is also helpful when it comes to suturing. It enables us to sew things up inside the belly by using the robotic cams and it does suturing which in straight laparoscopy is more difficult. For patients, the benefits are clear as well. Using the da Vinci robotics system allows a gynecologist to minimize abdominal incisions resulting in shorter recovery, less pain and blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. This offers more surgical confidence to patients. As patients are usually anxious about procedures, having this information may help alleviate some stress.

Gynecologists recommend the da Vinci because it allows patients to maximize their quality of life due to the speedy recovery. We believe that it is extremely rewarding to watch your patients go home the next day and return to their regular activities within one to two weeks versus months. With the considerations of having less postoperative pain, less recovery time, blood loss reduction, fewer risks of postoperative complications such as infection and a shorter hospital stay, we encourage readers to consider discussing the robot as an option for gynecologic surgery with our team at Artemis OB/GYN.

One of the more popular surgeries used by the robotic system is called a myomectomy, which is the removal of uterine fibroids. Fibroids are most often found during the pelvic exam portion of a routine annual exam. These are identified when the physician feels an irregular firm mass located near the center of the pelvis. Some women have mild or no symptoms while others may experience disruptive to severe symptoms that cause them to schedule a non-routine visit to their OBGYN or doctor.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids can include: heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, frequent urination, abnormal bleeding between periods, and low back pain.