Gynecologic Cancers
Cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers are the three most common types of gynecological cancers. Typically, the earlier a cancer is detected and diagnosed, the better the chance that treatment will be successful. However, some types of the disease may not cause any symptoms in the early stages or signs of the cancer could be associated with other conditions. That is why it is important to see a doctor for regular checkups and seek medical attention right away for any unusual symptoms.
How are Gynecological Cancers Treated?
The treatment for gynecological cancer begins with seeing a gynecologic oncologist. At Palm Beach Health Network’s Cancer Centers, our team of experienced gynecologic oncologists and dedicated staff will provide you with compassionate and personalized care from your first consultation throughout your treatment plan.
Gynecologic cancers are treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Women with a gynecologic cancer often get more than one kind of treatment.
Gynecologic Robotic Surgery with a Human Touch
Robotic-assisted surgery, which offers a minimally invasive approach to treating gynecologic cancers, is available within the Palm Beach Health Network. These procedures may lead to a quicker recovery giving patients the opportunity to return to day-to-day life.
At our Cancer Centers, we use the da Vinci® Surgical System for robotic surgery procedures on gynecologic cancers. The need for gynecologic robotic surgery can be an intimidating prospect for those who need it. At Palm Beach Health Network, we understand your concerns and strive to make your surgery as comfortable as possible by using minimally invasive procedures.
As a community built on care, our priority is to continue to provide innovative medical solutions to give our patients hope of a better quality of life.
What is Gynecologic Robotic Surgery?
The female reproductive system is a delicate and complex system, which may consist of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina. Gynecologic disorders can affect many aspects of a woman's life, including fertility problems. When lifestyle changes combined with medications do not work, surgery may be recommended to diagnose and treat the source of the symptoms.
Unlike traditional open surgery, surgeons perform robotic, minimally invasive procedures through a console located in the operating theatre that has flexible robotic arms that mirror their hand movements to complete an operation. The robotic arms hold a special camera as well as the surgical equipment. By using the cameras and robotic arms controlled by a skilled physician, your operating team can effectively facilitate the separation of tissue, nerves and blood vessels in deep and narrow spaces that may be needed.
For qualified candidates, gynecologic robotic surgery may offer numerous potential benefits over traditional open gynecologic surgery, including shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.
Conditions We Treat with Gynecologic Robotic Surgery
Gynecologic robotic surgery can be used to treat the following gynecological conditions more effectively:
- Cervical cancer – Cervical cancer is a disorder that can be caused by long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms may include vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge.
- Uterine cancer – Uterine cancer occurs when cells in the uterus continue to grow out of control. Women who have gone through menopause are more at risk of contracting uterine cancer. Symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain or pressure in the pelvis, among others.
The Robotic Surgical Institute at Good Samaritan Medical Center
Robotic surgery offers a minimally invasive approach to hysterectomy and other procedures such as fibroid removal, endometriosis surgery, endometrial/cervical cancer surgery, and vaginal/uterine prolapse.
For years, the standard approach to hysterectomy has been traditional open gynecological surgery--using a large incision for access to the uterus and surrounding anatomy. Using the da Vinci robotic surgical system, surgeons at Good Samaritan Medical Center can perform hysterectomy through small incisions, using mechanically-enhanced micro instruments. Robotic surgery is designed to minimize the pain and risk associated with large incisions while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and excellent clinical outcomes.
Some examples of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery include:
- Hysterectomy for benign conditions
- Hysterectomy for early stages of gynecologic cancer
- Myomectomy to remove uterine fibroids
- Sacrocolpopexy to correct vaginal/uterine prolapse
- Potential patient benefits may include:
- Less Need for Pain Medication
- Less Blood Loss and Fewer Transfusions
- Fewer Complications
- Shorter Hospital Stay
- Quicker Recovery and Fast Return to Normal Daily Activities
- Better Clinical Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction (in many cases as compared to open surgery)
