How Robotic Surgery is Different
- Several very small incisions are made instead of one very long one
- Robotic instruments are even more precise than skilled surgeons’ hands and allow for 10x greater magnification than the eye
- The procedure can often be done on an outpatient basis as opposed to a required hospital stay
- In many cases patients can return to their routine quickly
In this minimally invasive procedure, rather than a surgeon opening up a patient's entire abdomen from rib cage to pubic bone, the entire procedure is completed with about five centimeter-long incisions around the belly button using cameras and robotic tools.
Read MoreWhile both minimally-invasive procedures result in less blood loss than traditional ovarian cancer surgery, the robotic surgery is considered more precise. The internal cameras used for the surgery magnify the view by about 20 times, and the robotic tools can access smaller spaces and stitch smaller sutures.
What Robotic Surgery Feels Like
Because robotic surgery is minimally invasive, the only external scars will be from the very small incisions made to get the surgical tools inside the body. It's less painful than it would be to heal an incision the length of the entire abdomen, but patients can still expect some soreness and cramping from the internal surgery.
In some facilities, patients can often go home the same day as the two- to four-hour procedure, and will quickly return to their regular diet and daily routine, often without requiring prescription painkillers.
Who Should Consider Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery for ovarian cancer is a minimally invasive attempt to remove all visible disease from the body with minimal blood loss and improved outcomes, but it's not right for everyone. It's best for patients with early-stage disease and cases where the disease is more localized in the body. If the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis, a doctor might recommend traditional open incision surgery to ensure more accurate and complete removal of disease.
In some cases, a process called neoadjuvant chemotherapy might help a patient qualify for robotic surgery. This involves a patient undergoing three or four cycles of chemotherapy before surgery in order to shrink the tumor enough that robotic surgery becomes a viable option.
The Cost of Robotic Surgery
Because of the high-tech machinery used during robotic surgery, the procedure itself is more expensive than traditional ovarian cancer surgery methods. However, traditional open surgery will require more recovery time both in and out of the hospital, resulting in higher postoperative hospital costs and lower potential to return to work quickly, should that be a concern.
Robotic surgery is one more option for treating patients with ovarian cancer. Discussing all treatment options with your doctor and medical team is the best way to decide which treatments are best for you.
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