Robotic hysterectomy
About this test
A hysterectomy is surgery to remove your uterus (partial hysterectomy) or your uterus plus your cervix (total hysterectomy). If you need a hysterectomy, your doctor might recommend robot-assisted (robotic) surgery. During robotic surgery, your doctor performs the hysterectomy with instruments that are passed through small abdominal cuts (incisions). The magnified, 3D view makes possible great precision, flexibility and control.
Why it's done
Doctors perform hysterectomies to treat conditions such as: Uterine fibroids Endometriosis Cancer or precancer of the uterus, cervix or ovaries Uterine prolapse Abnormal vaginal bleeding Pelvic pain Your doctor might recommend robotic hysterectomy if he or she believes that you're not a candidate for a vaginal hysterectomy based on your medical history. This might be true if you have surgical scars or some irregularity in your pelvic organs that limits your options.
Risks and complications
Although robotic hysterectomy is generally safe, any surgery has risks. Risks of robotic hysterectomy include: Heavy bleeding Blood clots in the legs or lungs Infection Damage to the bladder and other nearby organs Adverse reaction to anesthetic
How to prepare
As with any surgery, it's normal to feel nervous about having a hysterectomy. Here's what you can do to prepare: Gather information. Before the surgery, get all the information you need to feel confident about it. Ask your doctor and surgeon questions. Follow your doctor's instructions about medication. Find out whether you should take your usual medications in the days before your hysterectomy. Be sure to tell your doctor about over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements or herbal preparations that you take. Arrange for help. Although you're likely to recover sooner after a robotic hysterectomy than after an abdominal one, it still takes time. Ask someone to help you out at home for the first week or so.
What to expect
Talk with your doctor about what to expect during and after a robotic hysterectomy, including physical and emotional effects.
Understanding your results
After a hysterectomy, you'll no longer have periods or be able to get pregnant. If you had your ovaries removed but hadn't reached menopause, you'll begin menopause immediately after surgery. You might have symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats. Your doctor can recommend medications for these symptoms. Your doctor might recommend hormone therapy even if you don't have symptoms. If your ovaries weren't removed during surgery — and you still had periods before your surgery — your ovaries continue producing hormones and eggs until you reach natural menopause.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.