Too often, women are only given the option of an open hysterectomy for conditions like large fibroids or an enlarged uterus. Surgical techniques have evolved in the last decade, but across the United States, the number of women still having open hysterectomy procedures is unnecessarily staggering.
Robotic procedures are becoming more common as hospitals invest nearly $2 million in the machine. While the robot does allow surgeons who are not necessarily trained in laparoscopic procedures to perform a more minimally invasive surgery, tools cannot replace skill. There is no added benefit to the patient and the surgery can cost on average up to $2,000 more than other laparoscopic options, and in some cases much higher.
Open and robotic hysterectomy procedures are not in the best interest of the patient. Open procedures have more painful incisions, require inpatient stays at a hospital for up to a week, and have recovery times of up to 2 months. Robotic procedures have up to 5 incisions in a rainbow pattern across the abdomen. Surgery can take up to 4 hours and recovery can take up to a month.
Conversations between patients and their doctors should address patient concerns, types of hysterectomies and types of techniques used.
Advanced minimally invasive hysterectomy procedures for these complex GYN conditions are available, even if that means getting a referral to a specialist. It is essential that all surgical options are discussed with a patient. When a doctor is not skilled in a certain type of surgical technique, getting a second or third opinion should be encouraged.
The specialists at The Center for Innovative GYN Care have developed DualPortGYN, a groundbreaking minimally invasive GYN surgical technique that makes it possible to perform hysterectomies using only 2 tiny incisions, no bigger than a paper cut.
DualPortGYN hysterectomy procedures have better outcomes for patients overall.
Incisions are placed cosmetically at the belly button and the bikini line, so that once the scars are healed, they are virtually invisible. Surgery is performed in an outpatient setting and patients return home the same day.
Hysterectomy recovery for Most CIGC patients is a week to 10 days. They experience much less pain than women recovering from open or robotic procedures.
At the end of the day, having a hysterectomy for a benign condition should be a decision made by the patient after all of the facts are laid in front of her, without pressure to decide from her doctor. This is a very personal decision that can be emotional.
Weighing the pros and cons can take time. There are long held beliefs about what will happen after removing your uterus. While many of these are myths, they can create fear and confusion, making the decision even harder. It is important for a surgeon to listen closely to the concerns of a patient and explain what happens, what organs are being removed and how hormones will be affected. For example, many women are unaware that the ovaries produce the hormones associated with menopause. If left in tact, the patient should not experience early menopause, and the symptoms associated with menopause after surgery.
Each woman has her own relationship with her body, and it is essential that every doctor have a respectful attitude towards his or her patient and this important decision.
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GYN Surgery Gap Hampers Women’s Decisions
GYN surgical specialists can often see women sooner because they are focused entirely on surgery. Each patient gets detailed, in depth attention from Dr. Natalya Danilyants and Dr. Paul MacKoul. This personalized care helps patients understand their condition and the recommended treatment so that they can have confidence from the very start. Our surgeons have performed over 20,000 GYN procedures and are constantly finding better ways to improve outcomes for patients.
Book a consultation today with Dr. Paul MacKoul, MD or Dr. Natalya Danilyants, MD.
Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews
Even if you are not from the DC area, many patients travel to The Center for Innovative GYN Care for our groundbreaking procedures. We treat women from around the world who suffer from complex GYN conditions.
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