Hysterectomy is a very common surgery - in fact, one in three women in the United States will have a hysterectomy before turning 60 to relieve symptoms like excessive menstrual bleeding and uterine prolapse. However, gone are the days of hysterectomy surgery requiring months of recovery and a sizeable scar. Among other minimally-invasive ways, hysterectomy now can be performed using robotic technology, called the da Vinci Surgical System .

 

The da Vinci Surgical System is a breakthrough in technology that enables gynecologists to operate with unmatched precision, vision and control. By overcoming the limitations of both traditional open and laparoscopic surgery, da Vinci is revolutionizing gynecologic surgery for women. St. Francis has the only da Vinci Surgical System in Greenville, and Dr. David Godwin at Highlands Center for Women is the only Greenville gynecologist with the special training needed to perform hysterectomy surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System.

 

During da Vinci hysterectomy, the surgeon operates from a console, using robotic instruments to make small incisions in the abdomen and insert surgical instruments that have a wide range of motion and a 3D camera. These instruments allow the surgeon to have a better view of the inside of the abdomen along with additional precision and control. da Vinci Hysterectomy allows the surgeon better visualization of anatomy, which can be important when working around delicate and confined structures like the bladder and when performing a complex hysterectomy involving adhesions from prior pelvic surgery, non-localized cancer, or an abdominal hysterectomy. 

 

 

A robotic hysterectomy procedure leaves several tiny scars on the abdomen, but the uterus is actually removed through the vagina.

 

da Vinci Hysterectomy offers several potential benefits over traditional approaches, including:

 

 

 

 

If you're interested in robotic hysterectomy, make an appointment with Dr. David Godwin by calling 864-234-0700.