Posts Tagged ‘Pelvic Pain’

It’s a medical fact that most women, regardless of age, will experience a gynecological health problem at one time or another in their life.  Most of these conditions result in minor symptoms that can easily be treated, while others may require prompt medical attention or possibly even surgery. According to a Dallas, Texas group of gynecologists, the Women’s Specialist of Plano, “Many women will experience bouts of cramping and menstrual bleeding throughout their reproductive years. While it is normal for women to have pelvic pain and menstrual bleeding during their normal menstrual cycle, it is not common to have pain and bleeding so severe that it disrupts the normal activities of life. This almost always signals an underlying health problem that should be assessed by a skilled gynecologist.”

Persistent and consistent symptoms that normally raise a red flag include:

• Painful, severe cramps and pelvic pain
• Persistent pelvic bloating
• Intense pelvic pressure
• Abdominal tenderness
• Pain during urination or intercourse
• Heavy, ongoing bleeding outside of a normal menstrual cycle

The symptoms listed above can occur alone, or in combination with each other.  Most often, these symptoms may indicate:

• Uterine Fibroids:  Non-cancerous (benign) tumors of solid muscle tissue that develop in the uterus
• Uterine Cysts:  A fluid filled sac found in the pelvis that usually originate in the ovaries
• Uterine Prolapse:  When the uterus falls or descents from its normal position into the vaginal area
• Endometriosis: A condition where the cells from the lining of the uterus grow in other areas of the body
• Cervical Cancer: A disease that forms when cancerous tumors develop and grow in the cervix
• Uterine Cancer:  A disease that forms when cancerous tumors develop and grow in the uterus
• Menorrhagia:  Very heavy, abnormal menstrual bleeding
• Dysmenorrhea:  Very painful periods, excessive menstrual cramping and pelvic pain

When a woman has been diagnosed with one of these gynecological conditions, if the symptoms are severe enough, surgery by way of a hysterectomy may be the best recommendation and often yields effective outcomes. A hysterectomy is a surgery in which the uterus is removed. This can be done partially or in full. Today, many gynecologists are turning to a minimally invasive approach to performing a hysterectomy by using the da Vinci robotic surgical system.  While the robotic surgery technique is still considered relatively new, it is becoming a popular alternative for women throughout the Dallas, TX area as they contemplate the right hysterectomy approach to take.

Robotic surgery has been effective in the treating conditions that cause uterine fibroids, uterine cysts, endometriosis, and other gynecological symptoms.  According to Dr. Murray Fox, a Dallas, TX gynecologist and an early robotic surgery pioneer, “Increasing numbers of women are choosing this approach when faced with a myomectomy (removal of/treatment for uterine fibroids) or hysterectomy (the full or partial removal of the uterus), for example. Robotic surgery continues to result in excellent clinical outcomes, while offering patients an overall easier recovery period.”

The technology of the da Vinci robotic surgical system uses very tiny incisions allowing surgeons to use miniature instruments and a 3D camera and microscope to view the inside of the uterus and operate with precise movements.  While the arm of the robot does the actual movement, the surgeon is responsible for controlling and directing these moves with absolute accuracy and precision. The approach leaves minimal scarring and reduces the loss of blood, pain, and overall trauma that historically accompanies an open hysterectomy.

Not all gynecological practices in the Dallas, Texas area have adopted the robotic surgery approach. Despite the revolutionary advancement, it is a big investment with a large learning curve. The gynecologists with the Women’s Specialists of Plano state, “It will only be a matter of time until the robotic way is the only way.  We have seen the difference it has made in the hundreds of patients that have walked through the doors of our North Dallas practice. It is revolutionary to say the least.”

To learn more about the da Vinci Robotic Surgery, please visit the Women’s Specialists of Plano, a board-certified group of Dallas, TX gynecologists, at: http://www.obgynplano.com/dallas-frisco-allen/minimally-invasive/robotic-surgery/.

Plano, Texas Gynecologist Group Pioneers in Performing the da Vinci Robotic Surgery

The Women’s Specialists of Plano offer the robotic hysterectomy and robotic myomectomy as treatment for uterine fibroids and many other gynecological conditions

Every woman will experience a gynecological problem at one time or another in her life. Two of the most common gynecologic symptoms that women experience include pelvic pain and excessive or irregular menstrual bleeding. While it is common for women to have pelvic pain and menstrual bleeding during their normal menstrual cycle, it is not common to have pain and bleeding so severe that it disrupts normal activities of life.

According to the Women’s Specialists of Plano, a group of gynecologists in North Dallas, while it is common for women to have bleeding and pain associated with the normal period, more acute symptoms such as ongoing pelvic pressure, severe cramps, abdominal tenderness, pain during urination or intercourse, and heavy, ongoing bleeding, usually signals an underlying problem

The symptoms listed above can occur alone, or in combination with each other.  Most often, these symptoms may indicate:

• Uterine Fibroids
• Uterine Cysts
• Uterine Prolapse
• Endometriosis
• Cervical Cancer
• Menorrhagia

When a woman has been diagnosed with a gynecological condition, medication and conservative treatment (for uterine fibroids as an example) are usually recommended first. When medication and non-invasive procedures are unable to relieve symptoms, surgery is often the next step and has proven to be effective in eliminating a range of gynecologic conditions.

Traditionally, open surgery using a large incision has been the standard approach to many gynecological procedures. Open gynecological surgery often leads to a longer recovery process and it is common for women to have increased pain and larger scars. Today, many surgeons are turning to a minimally invasive gynecology surgery by choosing the da Vinci Surgical System. Robotic surgery has been effective in the treatment for uterine fibroids, uterine cysts, and other conditions. Many women are choosing this new approach when faced with a myomectomy (the removal of uterine fibroids) and hysterectomy (the full or partial removal of the uterus).

For complex hysterectomies and other gynecologic procedures such as the myomectomy, robot-assisted surgery using the da Vinci robotic surgery system has proven to be effective. The technology uses very tiny incisions allowing surgeons to use miniature instruments and with a 3D camera and microscope, operate with precise control and movement.  The approach leaves minimal scarring and reduces the loss of blood, pain, and overall trauma that historically accompanies a hysterectomy.  Robotic surgery is growing in popularity and continues to result in excellent clinical outcomes.

Treatment for uterine fibroids and other gynecological conditions is made easier using the robotic surgery system.  If you are considering having a hysterectomy, discuss all of the options with your doctor.  A robotic hysterectomy might be a viable choice to treat your condition.

Not all gynecological practices have adopted the da Vinci robotic surgery and robotic hysterectomy approach. Despite the revolutionary advancement, it is a big investment with a large learning curve. The Women’s Specialists of Plano are pioneers using the system.  According to the physicians that make up this practice, “It will only be a matter of time until the robotic way is the only way.  We have seen the difference it has made in hundreds of patients that walk through the doors of our Plano, Texas practice. It is revolutionary to say the least.”

According to the Women’s Specialists of Plano (www.obgynplano.com 972.379.2416) (Plano, TX), women have more options than ever before concerning hysterectomy treatment.  In the current year, 1 in 600,000 women will undergo a hysterectomy. For some, it will be a necessary procedure in order to cure a life-threatening condition such as cancer, severe infections or uncontrollable bleeding. For others, it will be an option to help ease the symptoms of certain conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain or uterine prolapse.  When a hysterectomy seems like the right choice, it helps to know the facts and the alternatives that are available so that you can make the right choice for you and for your situation.

What is a hysterectomy?

The uterus is the pair shaped, hollow organ that resides in the pelvis and is what holds a baby during pregnancy.  When a woman has a hysterectomy either all or a part of the uterus is removed. Depending on the reason for the hysterectomy, a woman may have either a complete or total hysterectomy where both the uterus and the cervix are removed, a partial hysterectomy (sometimes called a supracervical hysterectomy) where the upper portion of the uterus is removed but the cervix remains, or a radial hysterectomy where the entire uterus, cervix and a portion of the vagina are removed.    In the majority of cases, a woman will choose to undergo a total hysterectomy.

How are Hysterectomies Performed?

Traditional hysterectomy surgical procedures are still divided into abdominal and vaginal.  Most women can be candidates for all three; but depending on the size of the uterus, tumor, condition, etc., one may be a better option than the other.  Below, is a breakdown of the types of hysterectomies-each are considered traditional hysterectomy procedures:

• Laparoscopic: Using this method, 3 to 4 tiny incisions are made into the abdomen through which a slim, lighted, telescope instrument called a laparoscope, along with small surgical instruments, are inserted. These tools will essentially work to remove the uterus.  This method usually requires a couple of days or less in the hospital and recovery can take up to 4 weeks.

• Vaginal: This hysterectomy method is not visible to the naked eyes.  It uses a small incision inside the vagina to remove the uterus and other organs (if needed) and typically requires 1-2 days in the hospital and up to a 4-week recovery period.

• Abdominal (also known as Open): This hysterectomy method is the most invasive of all hysterectomies.  It requires either a vertical or horizontal incision just above the pubic bone to remove the uterus and cervix (and in some cases, other surrounding organs). This particular hysterectomy will require a longer hospital stay and is performed under general anesthesia with a recovery period up to 6 weeks.

What About the Robotic Hysterectomy?

da Vinci robotic surgery is revolutionizing the way certain procedures are performed, including a hysterectomy. Using the robotic technique, hysterectomies are being document to be more effective, easier to perform, offer a quicker recovery and are dramatically less invasive than a traditional surgical hysterectomy.

Using small incisions and then inserting miniature medical instruments and a 3D camera into the patient, the surgeon is able to maneuver the tools and seamlessly translate the movement of the fingers, wrist and hand from a separate nearby console.  All of these real-time movements are performed under a magnified, high-resolution, 3D image of the uterus.  While not all gynecological practices and groups offer this technology, the Women’s Specialists of Plano have for many years.  They feel that the investment, training, and practice that it takes to fully understand and become skilled at robotic surgery is worth it.

While robotic surgery seems like the best option for women who are candidates, one drawback is the availability of the technology.  “The da Vinci robotic surgical technique is truly the only available gynecological technology that can provide surgeons with the innate control, range of motion, fine tissue handling and 3D visualization that is characteristic of open surgery—but producing vastly different recovery times. Unfortunately, this technique takes practice, hands on experience, time to master and a nice size investment; thus, it is not offered by all gynecological groups,” says Dr. Daryl Greebon.

What Experienced Physicians Have To Say:  Robotic Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery

In a recent roundtable discussion led by the Women’s Specialists of Plano, recovery is the major difference between a robotic hysterectomy vs. traditional surgery.  During this discussion, all five of the doctors that make up this highly specialized group of gynecologists discussed the types of hysterectomies and the differences. In general the recovery from a robotic hysterectomy is the same as a traditional hysterectomy, just faster.  They divide recovery into three phases:

• How fast a patient comes out of the anesthesia
• How soon a patient gains back strength
• How soon a patient gains stamina

According to Dr. Murray Fox, “With a traditional hysterectomy, the first two recovery phases take 18 to 24 hours each.  The third takes 3 – 6 weeks; with robotic surgery the first two take 6 to 18 hours and the third, just 7 – 14 days.”

Dr. Dennis Eisenberg can usually see the differences almost immediately after the surgery is performed and the patient has returned back for their post-op visit. “Side effects post-op for all types of hysterectomies will be similar, but with the robotic hysterectomy, they are smaller and minimalized.  My patients will often commend the fact that they had less pain and were quicker to return to normal function than their friends who have undergone traditional surgery.”

Dr. Daryl Greebon and Julies Monier also agree that the robotic surgery might not be for everyone, but that for those who are candidates, it is generally the more preferred option, “As far as effectiveness, each type of hysterectomy works well. Some are better in certain situations.  For instance, we have found that heavier women actually do better with the robotic technique because we can see better.  However, this particularly type of woman presents more problems for anesthesia with the robot, so she needs to be in reasonably good health to have this procedure.”

Regarding da Vinci robotic surgery vs. traditional surgery, they continue to say, “Scarring can occur with any surgery but scarring has proven to be much less noticeable with robotic which is a significant advantage since intraabdominal scarring can lead to complications with future surgeries, or cause problems such as bowel obstruction.”

While the da Vinci robotic hysterectomy technology has certainly taken the medical profession by storm, it will take time before it appears in the offices of most physicians. Training and consistent use are two key ingredients that will make the adoption a success. The Women’s Specialists of Plano in Plano, TX feel the training, price tag and commitment are not only justified, but also invaluable in terms of what they can offer their patients.  It is also up to each patient, in cooperation with their surgeon, to determine whether a robotic surgery vs. traditional surgery is in their best interest.

Women in Plano, Frisco, Dallas, Richardson and surrounding North Texas communities considering a hysterectomy to treat conditions such as cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer, pelvic pain, excessive bleeding (mennorghia), or symptoms from fibroids should be informed about the benefits a hysterectomy operation performed via robotic laparoscopic surgery. This video from the show “The Drs” provides a nice overview of the benefits including reduced recovery time and scarring. The OBGYN surgeons at Women’s Specialists of Plano are strong believers in the benefits of this cutting edge procedure. To schedule a consultation, please contact us at 972-379-2416 or visit our online appointment center.