Technological advances have made recovery from the procedure for removing the uterus, called hysterectomy, much less difficult for patients. Instead of undergoing open surgery with its longer hospital stays or traditional minimally invasive surgery, patients can opt for robotic hysterectomy using the da Vinci Si Surgical System.

“Robotic hysterectomy is the same surgery as an open case, but instead of using a wide incision, we use three to five small holes, typically eight millimeters wide,” explains Scott M. Readence, MD, Active Medical Staff in the Department of OB/GYN at PinnacleHealth. “When surgeons use the da Vinci system, operative times decrease and postoperative pain decreases.”

Experiencing smaller incisions, quicker operations and reduced pain, patients recover faster because their bodies simply have fewer adjustments to make.

“The three-dimensional camera provides a superb image which is matched by fine precision in the tool movements,” Dr. Readence continues. “The interface translates the surgeon’s slight finger and wrist movements into commands for the tiny instruments.”

How Fast Is Recovery?

PinnacleHealth endeavors to discharge patients the day after their robotic hysterectomies. After only two weeks of limiting themselves to minimal or light activity, patients can return to the activities they enjoy.