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da Vinci ® Myomectomy for Uterine Fibroids
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroid is a common type of benign (non-cancerous) tumor that develops within the uterine wall. Uterine fibroids occur in up to one-third of all women and are the leading reason for hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) in the United States. One in five women older than 35 years has a uterine fibroid.
Uterine fibroids may grow as a single tumor or in clusters. They often increase in size and frequency with age, but then revert in size after menopause. While not all women with fibroids experience symptoms, symptoms may include excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and infertility.
What are the treatment options for uterine fibroids?
A common alternative to hysterectomy is myomectomy – or surgical removal of uterine fibroids. This procedure preserves the uterus, and may be recommended for women who could become pregnant. Myomectomy is often performed through a large abdominal incision. After removing each fibroid, the surgeon carefully repairs the uterus, to minimize potential bleeding, infection or scarring. Proper repair of the uterus is critical to reducing the risk of uterine rupture during pregnancy.
Am I a candidate for the robotic-assisted surgery option?
If your doctor recommends surgical treatment, you may be a candidate for a new, less invasive surgical procedure called da Vinci ® Myomectomy. This procedure uses a state-of-the-art surgical system designed to help your surgeon perform a more precise, minimally invasive procedure designed to preserve the uterus. For most women, this option offers numerous potential benefits over traditional surgical approaches.
Benefits include:
- Shorter hospital stay.
- Less pain.
- Less risk of wound infection.
- Less blood loss and need for blood transfusions.
- Less scarring.
- Faster recovery and quicker return to normal activities.
- Uterine preservation.
As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is patient and procedure specific.
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Author: Intuitive Surgical ®
Last Updated: December 2007