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4207 GLASS RD NE, Suite #2

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

8:00AM – 5:00PM Monday – Thursday
Friday 8:00AM – NOON

Advanced gynecology

30 Years experience

Da Vinci Robotic Medical Procedures

 

The da Vinci Surgical System is a tool that helps surgeons perform a variety of surgeries including gynecological surgeries, urological, head and neck, thoracic, colorectal, cardiac and general surgeries. More importantly, it’s considered a “Minimally Invasive Surgery” because the da Vinci only uses small cuts, it’s less traumatic on your body, resulting in less pain, fewer complications and a shorter recovery time.

What is a da Vinci surgery?

A da Vinci surgery is when your surgery is performed using the da Vinci Surgical System, a machine that uses four thin robotic arms. The robotic instruments have a wider range of motion than the human hand. Surgeons can use the surgical system for a variety of procedures.

The machine is made up of three different parts:

  • The console/control center –Your surgeon operates while seated at a console unit, using hand and foot controls and with a magnified, 3D, high-definition view.
  • The patient cart – The cart holds surgical instruments and the camera.
  • The vision cart – This cart has a video screen so that the healthcare providers in the room can see what’s happening during the surgery.

What’s the difference between a da Vinci surgery and an open surgery?

Use of the system makes your surgery “minimally invasive” (smaller incisions). The procedure uses small cuts (less than or equal to 1 centimeter long), tiny surgical instruments, fewer stitches and a laparoscope (a telescope) which is a thin tube with a light and a camera lens. This is different than traditional surgeries that use larger, more invasive cuts through skin, tissues and muscles.

What procedures can be performed with a da Vinci surgery?

The da Vinci Surgical System is designed to do several types of surgeries. However, not every type is available in every country, or at every hospital. Talk to your healthcare providers about whether or not your surgeon will use this machine. Possible surgeries include:

Gynecology surgeries:

  • Hysterectomy
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic pain
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Fibroids
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Incontinence procedures
  • Incompetent Cervix
  • Cancers

How common are da Vinci surgeries?

Worldwide, there have been over seven million surgeries performed using the da Vinci system.

Are da Vinci surgeries available everywhere?

No. The da Vinci surgical system is available only in certain areas. Ask your healthcare provider if the surgeons they work with use one.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

How does the da Vinci surgical system work?

For a hysterectomy, which is a procedure that removes the uterus, the surgeon makes four or five small cuts instead of one long incision. The robotic surgical instruments are inserted into the holes and, sitting at the console, the surgeon uses the controls to remove the organ.

What kind of healthcare provider performs a da Vinci surgery?

Surgeons who use the da Vinci Surgical System go through additional training to learn how to use the machine.

How do I prepare for a da Vinci surgery?

You prepare for a da Vinci surgery the same way you prepare for an open surgery. Specific preparations depend on the type of surgery you’re getting, so you should ask your healthcare providers about the details.

How long does a da Vinci surgery last?

This depends on the procedure. Your doctor will go over your procedures time

Will I be asleep during the da Vinci surgery?

Yes. You will be under general anesthesia.

RISKS / BENEFITS

What are the benefits of a da Vinci surgery?

The da Vinci System enables surgeons to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small, precise incisions. Benefits may include:

During the procedure:

  • Less blood loss
  • Less trauma
  • Smaller cuts

After the procedure:

  • Less pain
  • Less scarring
  • Fewer complications
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Quicker return to normal daily activities
  • Fewer infections

Women who were previously not candidates for laparoscopic myomectomy to remove uterine fibroids now have an option that can preserve their uterus and potentially their fertility.

What are the risks/potential complications of a da Vinci surgery?

There are always risks with surgery, including reactions to anesthesia and bleeding.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK

How effective are da Vinci surgeries?

Da Vinci surgeries are just as effective as open surgeries. The real advantage comes with the precision and results the da Vinci surgeries provide for our patients.

How long will I be in the hospital?

How long you’ll be in the hospital depends on the type of surgery you have and your healthcare providers’ recommendations. Studies have shown that if you have a da Vinci surgery, you’re likely to have a shorter hospital stay and may go home on the same day.

How long does it take to recover from a da Vinci surgery?

Again, this depends on the type of surgery. Talk to your healthcare providers about how long your particular healing process might take.

When to call the Doctor

When should I see my healthcare provider after a da Vinci surgery?

Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. You should also see a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

  • Redness, swelling, drainage or tenderness at the incision site

These are signs of infection:

  • A fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (or higher)
  • Excessive bleeding

When should I go to the emergency department?

Don’t hesitate to call 911 or go to the emergency department if you have suspicious symptoms. Remember, no matter what procedure you had, you should always see a healthcare provider right away if you experience:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Fainting
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Pain that gets worse and is not relieved by your pain medication

A note from Iowa Women’s Health Clinic:

Not every surgeon uses the da Vinci Surgical System. It’s not available at every hospital or for every type of surgery. However, da Vinci surgeries are becoming more and more popular as more healthcare providers learn about it. Speak with your own healthcare providers about the possibility of replacing an open surgery with a da Vinci surgery.

Note: Iowa Women’s Health Center has the privilege of having Dr. Rexroth. Dr. Rexroth was the 1st Gynecologist in Iowa and one of the 1st 100 Gynecologists in the country to use the less-invasive da Vinci robot for surgeries.

 

 

 

 

 

How Do I Make an Appointment?

Making an appointment is easy! Just give us a call at 319-200-5900 and we will set you up with one of trained staff members to talk with you. If this is your first time visisting us please fill out a New Client Form.

How Do I Make an Appointment?
How to make an appointment: Please call 319-200-5900 and one of our staff members would be happy to get you scheduled. You may also request an appointment via our online portal at (insert portal link-25012.portal.Athenahealth.com
How Do I Cancel my Appointment?
How to cancel an appointment: Please call 319-200-5900 and we would be happy to reschedule or cancel your appointment. We do require 24 hour notice if possible. 
How Do I Order Refill of my Prescription?
How do I request a refill: Please call your pharmacy and let them know you need a refill of your medication. They will then send us the information directly, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the refill process. Refill requests can take up to 48 business hours from the date of request to be reviewed. 
How Do I Update my Information on File?
How do I update my information? You are welcome to login to our patient portal at (insert link) or give us a call at 319-200-5900 and our staff members are happy to get that information updated for you in our system.
Iowa Women's Health Center

Creating Happier & Healthier Lives for Iowa Women

Iowa Women’s Health Center is interested in talking to you about your decision when choosing which medical options are best for you.  IWHC is an advanced women’s health clinic located in Cedar Rapids, IA. We service all women through central Iowa and in neighboring states for progressive and advanced gynecological care.

We provide the latest and least invasive women’s health medicine throughout Linn County.

Please bear in mind that the best medicine is preventative medicine. IWHC is currently accepting clients so we may help you in that pursuit of a healthier and happier life.

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