Actual operative time with the robot assistance was similar to my average times with traditional laparoscopy, about 1 1/2 hours for the first case. The actual visualization during surgery was better than what I had experienced with the practice "toys" we used. The 3-D vision was really exceptional. The robotic instruments were very easy to use and the surgeon console is fantastic. The two aspects I like the best are the individual hand clutching of the instruments and the ability to use bipolar energy or monopolar energy with either the cut or coagulation mode. The cutting current is great for minimizing thermal damage to the vaginal cuff when removing the cervix.
The hospital is "all a buzz" and people seem to be excited to offer this advanced surgical tool at their hospital. It is too bad that it took an instrument such as this for people to get excited about minimally invasive gynecology when I and other surgeons have been offering laparoscopic hysterectomy for years. Outcomes should be the same.
With the robot technology, more women will be able to take advantage of the "outpatient" hysterectomy and avoid having their abdomen cut open as more surgeons learn the robotic approach.
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