If a woman needs a myomectomy, a surgery to remove non-cancerous tumors called fibroids from her uterus, she may be a candidate for da Vinci surgery. Da Vinci is a minimally invasive robotic surgery system that allows a gynecologist or surgeon to operate through a few small incisions versus a large open incision.

To perform the surgery, the surgeon or gynecologist inserts a laproscope (a thin lighted tube) through an incision, then attaches it and other surgical instruments to the robotic da Vinci system. With this system, the surgeon can operate with much greater precision than he or she could while performing a traditional myomectomy.

Traditional myomectomies are considered a major surgical procedure and require a large incision, so da Vinci myomectomy may be a better option for many women.

Things to Consider

If you need a myomectomy, your gynecologist will discuss the benefits of da Vinci in comparison to other surgical approaches. The primary benefits to you as a patient will be a shorter hospital stay, less pain, faster recovery time and less blood loss.

For the gynecologist or surgeon, there are benefits as well: the system allows the surgeon a high definition, three-dimensional view of the area and the small surgical instruments can rotate and bend much more than the human hand can.

However, like any surgery, da Vinci myomectomy also poses risks, and your gynecologist will discuss these with you as well.

About the Surgery

You will be given general anesthesia and once asleep, your gynecologist or surgeon may pump may into your belly to inflate it.

Your gynecologist or surgeon will make small incisions and insert a laparoscope and other surgical instruments through them. They will then attach the laparoscope and the instruments to the da Vinci system robotic arms, then goes to a control area to remotely control the surgery.

The gynecologist uses the tools to remove the fibroids. After surgery, your gynecologist or surgeon will use stitches to close the incisions, then cover them with dressings.

After the Surgery

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room. After a da Vinci myomectomy, most women stay in the hospital for a few days. During your hospital stay, your healthcare team will support you and answer your questions as you recover. It’s normal to experience some pain during early recovery and your gynecologist or surgeon can suggest medications if you need them.

At home, follow all of your surgeon’s instructions and be sure to keep your incision wounds dry for several days. It’s important to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for the first few weeks as well.