da Vinci® Hysterectomy

Acronym: DH

Description of procedure: This procedure is done through the use of a surgical robotic device guided and aided by a surgeon. The uterus is cut up into small pieces and removed through the tubes which were inserted into the abdomen.

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Indications/contra-indications: The surgery technique could be indicated for patients of all weights and sizes. It is also an option for those with a possible cancer diagnosis as the da Vinci® robotic surgical device allows for excellent visual capability and access to lymph nodes for radical hysterectomy. This surgical technique is also an option for patients who may suffer from surgical adhesions.

Initial Recovery: Expect 2 to 4 weeks of recovery, with some lifting and straining restrictions that could extend beyond this period.

da Vinci Hysterectomy offers numerous potential benefits over traditional approaches to vaginal, laparoscopic or open abdominal hysterectomy, particularly when performing more challenging procedures like radical hysterectomy for gynecologic cancer. Potential benefits include:

As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is both patient and procedure specific. While radical hysterectomy or abdominal hysterectomy performed using the da Vinci Surgical System are considered safe and effective, these procedures may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

Read more about da Vinci Hysterectomy and find a da Vinci surgeon.

Possible additional surgical procedures performed at the same time:

Bilateral Salpingo oophorectomy

This involves the removal of both ovaries and of both tubes.

Acronym: BSO

Description of procedure: Sometimes, both ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed at the same time a hysterectomy is done. When both ovaries and both tubes are removed, it is called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy which is usually shortened to BSO. (bilateral=both sides, salpingo =the fallopian tubes, oophore =the ovaries, ectomy = removal)

Indications/contra-indications: The removal of ovaries is most often recommended when the ovaries are diseased. Your doctor may also recommend their removal in the case of cancers that are responsive to the hormones produced by the ovaries. If Endometriosis or Adenomyosis is suspected, some doctors will suggest the removal of ovaries. Removal of ovaries will throw you into surgical menopause which may result in hormonal unbalance and might put you at an increased risk for heart disease, some types of breast cancer and might trigger clotting disorders.

Initial Recovery: Your recovery will be based on the type of hysterectomy you had. Variations on a theme: Sometimes only the left or right ovary & tube are removed, and this is referred to as RSO or LSO