Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer? - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

		HysterSisters > GYN Cancer Articles
Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer?

Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer?

From the GYN Cancer Articles List

HysterSisters Articles

Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

Would minimally invasive hysterectomy be an appropriate choice to treat endometrial cancer?

Minimally invasive surgery is the term used to describe laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. Unlike traditional open surgeries, which involve relatively large incisions and longer recovery times, minimally invasive procedures require only small incisions (about a half-inch each) and consequently much quicker recoveries and lower complication rates.

In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon inserts narrow tube cameras and surgical instruments through small incisions to perform the procedure with minimal bleeding and scarring. The surgeon sees the patient’s organs and other internal structures on monitors, which guide his or her work. Laparoscopic surgery has become the preferred method for many routine procedures such as appendectomies and cholecystectomies (gall bladder removal). However, some surgeons are hesitant to use laparoscopic surgery to treat cancer since it is more difficult to see where the cancer may have spread than if the surgery is open and the surgeon can use his or her hands to explore the entire body cavity and inspect organs closely for cancerous growths.

Robotic surgery, such as daVinci, gives the surgeon greater precision, control, and flexibility than manual laparoscopic surgery does. It also provides a magnified 3D view of the surgical field, making it a good option for a hysterectomy to treat endometrial cancer—if it is available at your chosen facility, and if your surgeon is trained in robotic surgery. If your physician does not recommend robotic surgery and you are interested in exploring that option, seek a second opinion from a gynecological oncologist who is trained in robotic surgery. Traditional open surgery may still be the best option for you, depending on the stage of your cancer and its location(s). But given the much shorter recovery time and lower complication rate of robotic surgery, it is certainly a question to ask before you decide what to do.

If you opt for laparoscopic or robotic surgery, be sure to check your surgeon’s training and experience. The more experience a surgeon has performing these types of specialized procedures, the higher his or her statistical success rate will be.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

Printer Friendly Version

Related Titles

Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery

The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:

The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy. "Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."

Lynch Syndrome

My Story: Cervical Cancer- jenny1119's Story

Find A Doctor Near You

Gretchen Makai, M.D. 4735 Ogletown Stanton Rd MAP II, Ste 2103 Christiana Care Health System Newark DE 19713 302-623-4410	Molly Senokozlieff, M.D. 9279 A Medical Plaza Dr. North Charleston SC 29406 843-569-2900	Melanie Bone, M.D. 5301 S. Congress Ave. Atlantis FL 33462 561-548-8600
Charles Miller, M.D. 120 Osler Drive Suite 100 Naperville IL 60540 630-428-2229	Geoffrey Cly, M.D. Suite 101, 11123 Parkview Plaza Drive Fort Wayne IN 46845 260-969-5530	Megan Bird, M.D. 364 SE 8th Ave, Suite 205 Hillsboro OR 97202 503-681-4145
Jennifer Fuson, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	Emily Cunningham, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	Elizabeth Stevenson-Gargiulo, M.D. 9101 North Central Expressway Suite 250 Dallas TX 75231 214-826-2979

Receive support and resources for your hysterectomy related needs: