Our Summary

The research looked at the cost of two types of hysterectomy (surgery to remove a woman’s uterus) procedures: robotic-assisted and standard. The study specifically looked at surgeries done by experienced surgeons who had already performed at least 30 robotic procedures. It considered the total cost of the patient’s hospital stay, the amount of blood lost during surgery, how long the surgery took, and how many days the patient stayed in the hospital afterwards. The study found that, after considering factors like the hospital where the surgery was performed, the patient’s age, weight, whether they had previous abdominal surgeries, and the weight of the uterus, the cost of the robotic-assisted surgery wasn’t significantly higher than the standard procedure. However, costs were higher at one hospital compared to the other. The study also found that the robotic-assisted surgeries had less blood loss and took less time than the standard ones. The length of hospital stay wasn’t significantly different between the two types of surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What were the factors considered in the research comparing the cost of robotic-assisted and standard hysterectomy procedures?
  2. Did the study find any significant cost difference between robotic-assisted and standard hysterectomy procedures?
  3. Were there any differences in blood loss, surgery time, and hospital stay duration between the two types of hysterectomy procedures according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about laparoscopic hysterectomy is to ask about the option of robotic-assisted surgery, as it may result in less blood loss and shorter surgery time compared to standard procedures. Additionally, it is important to choose a hospital with experienced surgeons who have performed a significant number of robotic procedures to ensure the best outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hysterectomy include those with conditions such as:

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Adenomyosis
  • Pelvic organ prolapse

It is important for patients to discuss their specific condition with their healthcare provider to determine if laparoscopic hysterectomy is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hysterectomy:

  • Patient consults with their gynecologist about their symptoms and options for treatment
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting and stopping certain medications
  • Patient undergoes the laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure, which typically takes 1-2 hours
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room for a few hours before being transferred to a hospital room
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital within 1-2 days, depending on their recovery progress

After laparoscopic hysterectomy:

  • Patient follows post-operative care instructions, such as taking pain medication, resting, and avoiding strenuous activities
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with their gynecologist to monitor their recovery and address any concerns
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may experience improvements in their symptoms, such as relief from pelvic pain or heavy bleeding
  • Patient may experience some side effects or complications, such as infection or pelvic organ prolapse, which may require additional treatment
  • Patient undergoes pelvic floor physical therapy to help with recovery and improve pelvic muscle strength
  • Patient eventually returns to their daily routine and enjoys the benefits of the hysterectomy, such as improved quality of life and reduced risk of certain gynecological conditions.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  2. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic hysterectomies, specifically robotic-assisted procedures?
  3. How long will the surgery take and how long can I expect to stay in the hospital afterwards?
  4. Will I need any special preparation or follow-up care after the surgery?
  5. Are there any factors that may make me a better candidate for robotic-assisted surgery over a standard laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  6. What is the expected recovery time and when can I return to normal activities?
  7. How will pain management be handled after the surgery?
  8. Will there be any scarring or long-term effects from the procedure?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options I should consider before deciding on a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
  10. Can you provide me with information on the success rates and outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomies you have performed in the past?

Reference

Authors: Winter ML, Leu SY, Lagrew DC Jr, Bustillo G. Journal: J Robot Surg. 2015 Dec;9(4):269-75. doi: 10.1007/s11701-015-0526-z. Epub 2015 Jul 30. PMID: 26530837