Robotic hysterectomy, its recovery time and the complications involved in the procedure … all your quandaries find refuge in this article. Read on and discover all you have wanted to know about robotic hysterectomy.
Female reproductive tract troubles are addressed through a procedure called hysterectomies. A hysterectomy is a procedure performed to remove the woman’s uterus (womb) and in certain cases the cervix as well. If a woman undergoes this operation during premenopausal days, her menstruation cycles will stop, thereby restricting her to bear children. Hysterectomies have advanced and plowed themselves since their commencement in the 1800s. Due to a consistent growth and development in the sequencing of the process, hysterectomies have been coveted as the most effective and dependable procedures.
One of the most prominent techniques called robotic hysterectomy is a procedure that equips the surgeon to use and simultaneously control instruments in order to influence the equipment devoted to robotic surgical procedures. The surgeon occupies a clear view of the entire operation being performed on the screen with the help of a 3D camera, thereby guiding him to put into use the electronic instruments to conduct the operation.
Recovery from robotic hysterectomy varies in individual cases. Generally, the recovery time is six to eight weeks; however, it may take longer for the discomfort to completely fade away.
Robotic Hysterectomy Procedure
Before the operation the patient is made to sit on a comfortable chair where general anesthesia is administered. Small incision is made by the surgeon on the lower abdomen. A camera called the endoscopic camera is attached to the robotic arm. This robotic arm enters the incision that is made by the surgeon. The other robotic arm is equipped with instruments like scalpels and forceps. The surgeon simultaneously places himself to manipulate the control panels to perform the operation.
The robotic hysterectomy consists of a 3D camera constituting a screen that displays the image. Movements are made by the surgeon by manipulating the tools forward, backward and sideways. Finger button are devoted to handle the subtle movements that are invested during the operation. The uterus can be removed through the vaginal cavity and the incision is stitched up. The robotic-assisted hysterectomy when performed by a certified and trained surgeon, could be completed in an hour. Thus, recovery time for hysterectomy does not last for long.
Hysterectomy Methods and Their Respective Recovery Span
The three predominant types of hysterectomy procedures are
- A subtotal hysterectomy is a procedure where the uterus is surgically extracted and the cervix remains; the recovery period
- A total hysterectomy is where the uterus and the cervix are extracted by conducting this surgical procedure.
- The procedure where the uterus, cervix, the fallopian tubes and the ovaries are all extracted is called the total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which is also referred to as radical hysterectomy.
The subtotal or the supracervical hysterectomy covers a speedy recovery span than total hysterectomy. The total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is comparatively painful and the recovery period is much longer than the subtotal and total hysterectomy procedures. The recovery time will be greater, if the surgery is performed through abdominal incision. Four to eight weeks for complete recovery should be expected.
However, when the surgery is conducted laparoscopically the recovery period is not as prolonged. Through the means of this article I would like to conclude with regards to the recovery time that an individual method of hysterectomy may take, varies from one woman to the other. The time period provided may not be sufficient for all women.
Why Is Hysterectomy Performed
I sincerely hope that your query concerning what is robotic hysterectomy is put to rest. It is time we move on to the next section that will aid you comprehend the reasons why robotic hysterectomies are performed. The reasons are enlisted and systematically elucidated here.
Painful Periods
There are some women who are in for great trouble and discomfort when their menstrual cycle is round the corner or has arrived. The term ‘discomfort’ signifies excessive and painful excretion of blood leading to anemia, accompanied with severe cramps and body ache. There are times when women go through bouts of nausea also progressing to vomiting. The cause of heavy menstrual flow lies in fibroid growth or hormonal problems.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
This is an infection encountered in the female reproductive system. It is the most serious complication of a sexually transmitted disease amongst women, AIDS being one of the most dreaded disease. If the disease spreads in the fallopian tubes and areas of the uterus, it may lead to a condition where the woman has to endure constant bouts of pain. Women who no longer want to bear children can resort to robotic hysterectomy. Analgesics could be helpful in cases where the woman wishes to bear children.
Endometriosis
Endometrial cells are blood cells that are released during the monthly menstrual cycles. Endometrial cells are found inside the uterus. Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial cells are found outside the uterus.
Prolapse of the Vagina
If the muscles that support the uterus experience weakness, the uterus tends to descend into the vagina. The root cause of this condition is childbirth lifting heavy commodities or any bulky stuff.
Cancer
Cancer of the ovaries, the cervix, the endometrium and the fallopian tubes may require hysterectomy.
Side Effects and Complications
Here are some side-effects that one may experience after the operation is conducted.
- Brownish vaginal discharge
- Hot flushes and anxiety
- Immense perspiration
- A feeling of being constantly confused
- Weight gain
The complications of robotic hysterectomy includes minimal risk factors. If there are any complications they may be the following:
- Lungs or veins developing blood clots
- Injury in the Urinary tract
- Infection
- Bleeding during or after the termination of the surgery
- Problems related to bowel movement resulting in a blockage and constipation
Recovery Suggestions
Here are some recovery suggestions that you may find helpful after the surgery is conducted. The recovery time for robotic hysterectomy is approximately six to nine weeks, however the period may vary with each case. There have been patients who have taken three to six months for complete recovery. In this section of the article, we give you pointers on the steps to be taken during the post-operative phase.
- First and foremost, drink plenty of water. This will help you in keeping your bowel movements efficient thereby helping in preventing constipation.
- Eat healthy foods and stay healthy. Make sure that you get all the instructions clear from the Doctor and follow his guidelines to the T.
- Medication prescribed by the doctor must be religiously followed. You are bound to feel uncomfortable as you may endure pain, swelling or soreness in the area.
- Once you are home, make sure that you have everything ready and at your beck and call. If you have a friend who is serving as your helper, ask her/him to place everything you need in your vicinity.
- Make arrangements for the bed to be raised from its head. Insert bricks or wooden blocks under the head legs of the bed. Have your bed in a reclining position so that rising from the bed becomes comfortable. Do not strain yourself while you rise from the bed.
- Consider stacking pillows under your head. This too will help you in the rising process.
- Do not consider walking right after you have left the hospital premises. Bed rest is what is demanded. Navigating short distances and increasing a little distance covered each day is an advisable route to recovery.
- A little discomfort around the abdominal area is common. Do not worry about the pain as it would relieve you in a few weeks time.
- Do not engage in weightlifting. By no means, should you exert yourself. Housecleaning and vacuuming are a complete no-no!
- Ascending/descending the stairs should be strictly discouraged. If you have your bedroom upstairs, accommodate and make arrangements on the ground floor.
- Wear lose, over-sized clothes once you are home. You need to feel easy and comfortable. Pajamas and lose tops or empire waist dresses are a perfect option for women for at least six to eight weeks. Your choice of undergarments should be a size or two larger than the usual. This will deliver the much desired comfort to the incisions in the abdominal area.
- Abstain from sexual intercourse for four to five weeks during the postoperative phase. Indulging in sex a few days after the surgery may lead to cropping up of infection in the area.
- Consult your doctor for postoperative recovery exercises. Performing stretching exercises or simply walking short distances for short durations could be prescribed by the doctor.
- Do not decide when you would resume work, Give it ample time. You may feel better; however, you must rest and resume work only when you feel you are capable of taking up your responsibilities at work.
Thus, robotic hysterectomy is a procedure that can be opted by women who face severe menstrual troubles. It is a surgical remedy that is safe and involves negligible complications. I sincerely trust that this article has proved to be a helpful guide for women contemplating to undergo this surgery. Following doctors instructions during the postoperative phase is beneficial. The suggestion given in this article may serve helpful as well, thereby accelerating the recovery period.