Medically Reviewed by Joycelyn C. Schindler, MD

Hysterectomy – the word, the surgery – triggers many emotions in a woman. However, McLeod Gynecologist Joycelyn Schindler, MD, says the robotic-assisted hysterectomy can help reduce some of the pain and associated anxiety.

Here is an overview of Dr. Schindler’s remarks:

“A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus. It can be performed for various reasons: pelvic pain from endometriosis, heavy vaginal bleeding for problems such as fibroids, or surgery to eliminate cancer. It is, by definition, the removal of the uterus but can also include removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

There are at least four different ways to do a hysterectomy. One type is vaginal hysterectomy. However, the one most people know about is the abdominal hysterectomy. It can be accomplished with a large incision, either up-and-down or across the midsection. It can also be performed with minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, using small incisions. This can be accomplished with long, hand-held metal instruments or with robotic-assisted surgery.

The robotic-assisted surgery has improved hysterectomies by giving the physician more control, allowing allows increased dexterity, smaller incisions, with less blood loss and pain leading to shorter hospital stays.”

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