What you need to know about Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy

It is normal for many women to feel a great deal of fear and anxiety when they hear the word 'hysterectomy'. But instead of the large incisions, painful surgeries that took a long time to heal, and surgeries that took a long time to heal, there are now much more advanced and safer methods. Today we are going to talk about one of the newest and most successful methods, the robotic hysterectomy.

What is this robotic surgery?

Simply put, this is also a surgery to remove your uterus . But the special thing is that the surgeon performs this surgery with the help of a robot. Now you think, "Oh my God, is a robot doing my surgery?" Don't be afraid. What happens here is that the surgeon looks at a computer screen and controls the robotic arm with a special controller. That means, the doctor has complete control.

Imagine, this is like a video game, but it's done with extreme precision and responsibility. This method is called Minimally Invasive Surgery . That means, instead of making a large incision in the abdomen like before, only a few small incisions are made, about a centimeter in size . Through those incisions, a robotic arm and a camera are inserted and the surgery is performed.

Why do doctors like to use this method?

There are several advantages to this method for a surgeon. Because of those advantages, you will also get a better result.

• Clear, large view: The surgical area can be viewed in three dimensions (3D) , in high-definition. Since the image can be magnified about 15 times more than the normal eye, even the most delicate veins and tissue can be clearly seen.
• Fine and precise movements: Robotic hands can perform a wide range of fine, precise movements that a human hand or wrist cannot. There are no problems with hand tremors here at all.
• Stability: The robotic arm can be held steady without fatigue, allowing even complex surgeries that take hours to complete to be performed very successfully.

In what cases is this surgery necessary?

A hysterectomy is not for everyone. Your doctor will carefully examine your medical condition and health history and decide if this is right for you. Robotic surgery can be especially beneficial for people who are obese or have a complicated condition such as pelvic adhesive disease due to previous surgeries.

The following are the conditions in which a hysterectomy is usually recommended:

• Abnormal or excessive bleeding: If you experience excessive bleeding during menstruation or other times that you cannot control.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent lower abdominal pain that cannot be relieved with medication.
• Uterine Fibroids: If you have large or bothersome tumors that cause pain or heavy bleeding.
• Uterine Cancer.
• Uterine Prolapse: The uterus descends from its normal position.
• Severe cases of endometriosis.

How does the surgery happen? Let's take a step-by-step look at it.

This is a type of laparoscopic surgery . That means keyhole surgery. Let's see how this is done.

Before surgery

Your doctor will examine you thoroughly. He will perform several blood and urine tests to get an idea of ​​your general health. He will explain the surgery, its risks, and what to expect after the surgery. This is the best time to ask any questions you may have. He will also advise you on what time you should stop eating and drinking the night before the surgery, and what medications you should continue to take and what you should stop taking.

On the day of surgery

You will need to come to the hospital a few hours before your surgery. There, a nurse will insert an IV line into a vein in your arm. This will give you fluids and medications during the surgery.

After you are taken to the operating room, you will be given anesthesia . After that, you will fall asleep and not feel anything. After you are asleep, the medical team will do the following:

• A urinary catheter is inserted to empty the bladder.
• Your abdominal area will be thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
• Your arms and legs have been prepared for surgery.

During surgery

While you are under anesthesia, the surgeon makes 4 or 5 small incisions, about one centimeter in size, in your abdomen. Through these incisions, a thin tube with a camera ( laparoscope ) and other surgical instruments are inserted. These instruments are attached to robotic arms.

The surgeon performs the surgery while sitting in front of a computer console a few meters away. The screen shows a 3D view of the area being operated on. As the doctor operates the console with his hands and feet, the robotic arms move in the same manner, very delicately, separating the uterus from the surrounding tissue and removing it. The rest of the surgical team sits close to you, providing any necessary assistance.

After the surgery, the small incisions are stitched closed and bandaged. This surgery usually takes between two and four hours .

What are the advantages of this over traditional surgery?

Compared to traditional open surgery, which involves a large incision, robotic surgery has several clear advantages.

What are the best and worst things to do during the recovery period after surgery?

Since this is a major surgery, you need to be very careful during the recovery period. It usually takes about four to six weeks to fully recover . But you should be able to do small tasks within a day or two. It is very helpful to have someone to help you at home for the first few days.

Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Here are some of them:

• Do not lift weights: Do not lift more than 6-7 kg for at least four weeks.
• Avoid sex: Avoid having sex or inserting anything into the vagina for at least six weeks.
• Use pads: There may be some vaginal bleeding. Use only sanitary pads, not tampons.
• Keep cuts clean: The doctor gives specific instructions on how to care for cuts. Keep them clean and dry.
• Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 4-6 weeks. However, walking a little every day is very good for the healing process. Gradually increase the amount of time you walk.

When should I see a doctor immediately?

It is important to recognize and treat any complications that may arise after surgery. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

• If the incisions are red, swollen, oozing pus, or painful to the touch (these are signs of infection).
• If you have a fever over 100.4 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) .
• If there is excessive bleeding .
• If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain .
• If you have severe pain that cannot be controlled even with medication.

It is normal to feel a variety of emotions after surgery, both physically and mentally. Some people feel great relief that their problems, such as pain and heavy bleeding, are gone. Others may feel sad and lonely about losing their ability to have children or no longer having periods. This is all normal. If you are feeling this kind of emotional distress, talk to your doctor or someone close to you about it.