New technology helping doctors during gynecologic procedures, shorten recovery time

BALTIMORE, Md. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Robotic surgery allows doctors to operate through tiny incisions using controllers and specially designed tools.  Now a new system just approved by the FDA is providing surgeons with more precision than ever before, especially during delicate gynecologic procedures like hysterectomies. Doctors say it’s making a huge difference in recovery.

“I have my own business- real estate agent. Constantly on the go- four daughters,” said Tracy Tamaris.

Tamaris, 44, never let anything slow her down until three months ago.

“I was having a lot of cramping, pain, breakthrough bleeding in between cycles,” explained Tamaris.

Doctors found pre-cancerous cells in her cervix and uterine glands and recommended a hysterectomy. Dwight Im, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., a gynecologic oncologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, used a brand new robotic system for the procedure. Dr. Im said with this system, the Davinci XI, he starts with a one-inch cut in the bellybutton.

“You put four or five instruments through the incision and it is almost as if you have multiple holes, even though you are operating only through just one single hole,” Dr. Im told Ivanhoe.

But unlike earlier robotic systems, this system has smaller components.

Dr. Im told Ivanhoe, “The arms are more slender, they move much more easily. This allows the surgeon to be able perform the partial hysterectomy without having to worry so much about moving around inside the belly.”

Instead of being sidelined for six to eight weeks, Tamaris was back to work in five days.

“I started off half a day. But a half day to me is still eight hours,” said Tamaris.

Tamaris said she’s grateful she’s feeling much better.

Tamaris explained, “Not so much for me, but for my daughters. Making sure I was healthy and around for them.”

Dr. Im said the new system also has a higher resolution view of the surgical field, which makes it easier to see blood vessels and other tissues.

Contributors to this news report include: Cyndy McGrath, Supervising Producer and Field Producer; Milvionne Chery, Assistant Producer; Michael Loff, Editor; Kirk Manson, Videographer.