Haven't Got Time for the Pain?

da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System at NCH can ease the symptoms of endometriosis

For many women, monthly menstrual cycles accompany very painful periods that interfere with daily activities. Anywhere from 40 to 60 percent of these women have endometriosis, a condition in which the endometrial lining that is normally inside the uterus also grows outside of it.

This can result in scar tissue that becomes adhesions or cysts, which often causes pain or cramping during periods, intercourse or even in between periods.

If you haven't got time for the pain, Northwest Community Hospital employs the very latest in robotic surgery to locate and remove the painful cysts resulting from endometriosis.

The da Vinci Si™ System

One tricky aspect about endometriosis is that it can only be diagnosed surgically. "Sometimes people think they have it, but you can't know for sure until you see inside," says Lorraine Novas, MD, vice chief of Obstetrics/Gynecology at NCH. In the past, this often meant a laparotomy, a major surgery requiring a 6-inch incision across the abdomen.

The minimally invasive da Vinci Si Robotic Surgical System makes the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis much less painful and less damaging to healthy muscles and nerves.

How it Works

Sitting at a console, the surgeon controls robotic hands that move with more dexterity and less tremor than a human hand. Meanwhile, the surgery is magnified 10 times onto a 3D high-definition screen. "With tiny instruments and such high magnification, you can get exactly to the right spot—making it easier to remove a cyst without the risk of damaging an ovary," says Dr. Novas, adding that da Vinci is particularly helpful with complex or advanced cases of endometriosis. "It's a big deal to save someone a laparotomy. Patients have shorter hospital stays, less bleeding, less risk of infection, a lower need for pain medication and a much quicker recovery."

While NCH has performed robotic surgery for five years, the Hospital upgraded to the latest da Vinci technology a little more than a year ago. Having the most advanced robotic technology exemplifies NCH's commitment to provide the best care, close to home.

Back to main page