Our doctors at Helena OB/Gyn & Associates strive for the best optimal care for their patients. We are proud to announce our Doctors are working with St. Peters Health to offer innovative surgical procedures using the DA VINCI XI Robotic system.
This technique uses small incisions, called ports, to view and access organs. Until recently, laparoscopic surgery was only a possibility for relatively minor gynecological surgical procedures and could not be used for major surgery. That has all changed with the arrival of the da Vinci XI Robot.
WHAT IS THE DA VINCI XI?
The da Vinci XI is a robotic-assisted surgical setup. It utilizes a high-definition magnified viewer and robotic manipulators to perform incredibly sensitive maneuvers deftly. However, the system is not autonomous. Think of the system as a high-tech tool rather than an independent robotic surgeon. Specially trained da Vinci certified surgeons remain in complete control of the procedure at all times.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GYNECOLOGICAL DA VINCI SURGERY?
The main benefit of gynecological da Vinci surgery to patients is the system allows a minimally invasive approach for routine or major surgeries. In other words, patients can undergo surgery such as a hysterectomy or sacrocolpopexy and likely experience a shorter recovery time and less time in the hospital. As a laparoscopic approach is used in da Vinci surgery, scar size will be minimized. It may even be possible to perform the surgery through an incision hidden in the belly button.
WHICH PROCEDURES CAN BE PERFORMED WITH THE DA VINCI XI?
Many gynecological surgeries can be undertaken through da Vinci surgery. These include but are not limited to:
Hysterectomy (removal of the womb or uterus)
Myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids)
Sacrocolpopexy (repair for pelvic organ prolapse)
Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis
IS EVERYONE A CANDIDATE FOR DA VINCI XI SURGERY?
The short answer is almost everyone with a benign gynecologic condition. Although, the surgical system is an excellent option for many patients. Each patient is unique, and every medical history and set of circumstances are different. Only the patient and their surgeon can decide together if da Vinci surgery is an appropriate choice in a specific case.
In general, patients that are suitable candidates for laparoscopic gynecological surgery are also likely to be good candidates for gynecological da Vinci surgery. However, if a patient needs a traditional open surgery, then a da Vinci procedure should not be a possibility.
SCHEDULE DA VINCI SURGERY EVALUATION
If you are anticipating gynecological surgery you may want to consider the da Vinci Surgical System. Doctors Jack McMahon, Alexis O’Leary and Jessica Parson are the first surgeons in Lewis and Clark County to become certified in this advanced form of surgery. This team has over 30 years of medical experience and are collaborating with St Peters Health to bring the capabilities of the DA VINCI XI here to Helena MT. If you’re ready to book a consultation and discuss if a gynecological da Vinci surgery is an option for your medical needs. Call our offices at 442-1914 to set up an appointment today.
