da Vinci surgery, uterine fibroids and myomectomy
da Vinci myomectomy
In my last blog I wrote about hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) and how this surgery is well-suited for surgery using the da Vinci approach. One of the main reasons a woman might consider a hysterectomy is the presence of uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors that grow out from the muscle layer and connective tissue in the uterus. Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are very common, especially during a woman’s middle and later reproductive years: about 20-40% of women will be diagnosed with uterine fibroids at some point in their lives.
In most cases uterine fibroids are harmless. But sometimes they can cause heavy and painful menstruation, painful sexual intercourse, and urinary frequency and urgency. Uterine fibroids that are located inside the uterine cavity can make it difficult or impossible to conceive a child, and they can cause complications in pregnancy, including bleeding, miscarriage, premature labor, or interference with the position of the fetus.
If you or someone you know has problems with uterine fibroids, there are several options for treatment. In some cases, simple observation or medication may be enough. Hysterectomy is another option. But in certain cases, especially if you’re trying to get pregnant, myomectomy (surgical removal of uterine fibroids) may be worth considering, especially because myomectomy preserves the uterus for reproduction. Similar to the da Vinci hysterectomy, da Vinci myomectomy uses small incisions in the abdomen. From a nearby console, I control cameras and various surgical instruments to expose and remove the fibroids. Once the removal is complete, the incisions in the uterine wall and the abdomen are closed and sealed.
As I’ve mentioned in my other blogs, the da Vinci approach allows precision and control that’s crucial when working in close proximity to delicate organs. Compared to open abdominal surgery, there’s typically less bleeding, less pain, minimal scarring, quicker recovery, a shorter hospital stay, and a lower likelihood of complications. After a da Vinci myomectomy, most women will require an overnight hospital stay and should be able to resume normal activities within two weeks – about three times faster than recovery from an open procedure.
Here are a few quotes from women who have had da Vinci myomectomies. These quotes and the stories behind them can be found on www.davincistories.com.
“da Vinci Surgery is really rather pleasant (as surgery goes). I woke up with nothing but Band-Aids on my tiny wounds. I also immediately felt the absence of my fibroid. I have no more wicked pains during menstruation, so I am really glad I had this surgery. I’d highly recommend it. I am better than new now.” – Lisa, White Plains NY
“[My fibroid] was removed without leaving big scars on my body and leaving me in bed for weeks. Additionally and most importantly, my fertility was not affected.” – Ivanice, Montclair NJ
“I was amazed at how quick the recovery was. It was done as an outpatient procedure, and I was out of the hospital the next day. – Deniza, Syracuse, NY
More information
If you’d like more information, including a video description of the procedure, go to this page on my website. The testimonial video links are on the left:
http://www.garofaloobgyn.com/uterine_fibroids.html
If you need additional information, you can click on any of the links below, or you can contact my office directly.
In my next blog, I’ll write about another condition called sacrocolpopexy that can also be treated using da Vinci.
Links to da Vinci surgery resources
da Vinci Surgery Patient Stories
Dr. Garofalo’s da Vinci information page
Dr. John Garofalo, M.D., is a certified da Vinci surgeon and OB-GYN in Norwalk, CT and sees patients throughout Fairfield County including Norwalk, Westport, Stamford, Bridgeport and Danbury. For more information on Dr. Garofalo and his medical practice, go to www.garofaloobyn.com. Dr. Garofalo can be reached for a personal consultation at 203.803.1098.
