Mercy Robotic Surgery

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. The procedure is recommended for a wide variety of uterine conditions. In fact it is the second most common surgical procedure for women in the U.S. There are several types of hysterectomy surgery:

• total hysterectomy – removing the entire uterus and cervix
• partial or subtotal hysterectomy – removing the uterus but leaving the cervix intact
• lymph node removal – surgeons will perform this procedure (called a “lymphadenectomy”) if you are diagnosed with uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer
• fallopian tube and ovary removal
• radical hysterectomy – removing the uterus, adjacent tissue, upper part of the vagina and pelvic lymph nodes because of a cervical cancer diagnosis. If recommended as part of uterine cancer treatment, the fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed.

Hysterectomy may be recommended for benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) uterine conditions. There are several different surgical approaches to hysterectomy:

vaginal hysterectomy which involves removal of the uterus through the vagina, requiring no external incision. This approach is only appropriate under certain conditions and for benign conditions.
• laparoscopic hysterectomy where 3-5 small incisions are made and the surgery is performed by inserting a small camera and instruments through the incisions.
• robotic hysterectomy

Using the daVinci® surgical system your Mercy gynecologic surgeon is able to surgically remove your uterus and provide numerous benefits including:

• less pain
• less blood loss and need for surgical blood transfusion
• less risk of infection
• less scarring
• lower risk of wound infection
• shorter hospital stay
• quicker return to normal daily life activities