Robotic Surgery
Doctors at OHSU perform robotic-assisted surgery for a number of gynecologic conditions using the da Vinci Surgical Robot, which enables surgeons to perform with unmatched precision and control – using only a few small incisions.
Robotic surgery can be used to treat
- Some ovarian cysts and masses
- Prolapse (falling) of pelvic organs
- Some fibroids
- Heavy uterine bleeding
- Cervical and endometrial cancer
- Some cases of endometriosis
Robotic surgical procedures at OHSU
- Hysterectomy
- Myomectomy (removal of fibroids)
- Sacrocolpopexy (treatment for pelvic organ prolapse)
- Removal of ovarian cysts and masses
- Treatment of cervical and endometrial cancer
Benefits
Robotic surgery can offer numerous potential benefits over traditional approaches, which often involve making a large abdominal incision. Potential benefits include:
- Less pain during recovery
- Less blood loss
- Fewer complications
- Less scarring
- A shorter hospital stay
- A faster return to normal daily activities
How the robotic system works
The robot system consists of two interactive mechanical arms, a camera arm, a three-dimensional (3D) image processing system and a remote control unit. The unit is located in the same operating room as the patient and surgeons. As the surgeon manipulates the remote control unit, the motions of the surgeon are translated to the robotic arms. Each robotic arm consists of multiple appendages connected by joints. The "hand" of the robot holds interchangeable surgical instruments that can be moved in a manner similar to a human wrist. At all times, a second surgeon is positioned at the operating table to assist with exchanging the instruments on the robotic arms.