Our Summary

This research paper discusses a new kind of laparoscopic instrument called ArtiSential, which has been designed to improve the process of laparoscopic surgery (a minimally invasive surgical procedure). The ArtiSential instruments allow surgeons to move their wrists freely in a complete 360° circle, similar to the movement possible in robotic surgery.

The study’s aim was to share the initial experiences with this tool in myomectomy (a surgical procedure to remove fibroids from the uterus), and report on the outcomes. A total of 77 women who had either laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy were included in this study, which took place between January 2021 and June 2022. The surgeons involved in the study used ArtiSential instruments of their choice.

The results showed that, on average, the patients were around 39.9 years old and had a mean body mass index (BMI) of 22.4 kg/m2. Around half of the patients had robotic surgery, while the other half had laparoscopic surgery. The doctors removed an average of 3.3 fibroids per patient, with the largest fibroid being about 7.1 cm. The surgeries lasted around 130 minutes on average. There were no serious complications or need for blood transfusions.

According to a survey among the surgeons, nearly 30% agreed that the ArtiSential tools were more convenient than traditional laparoscopic instruments, but only about 10% thought they were more convenient than robotic instruments.

In conclusion, the study suggests that using ArtiSential for myomectomy seems to be a safe and feasible option. However, more research is needed to compare the outcomes and potential benefits of ArtiSential, robotic, and traditional laparoscopic myomectomy.

FAQs

  1. What is the ArtiSential instrument used for in laparoscopic surgery?
  2. How does the use of ArtiSential instruments in myomectomy compare to traditional laparoscopic and robotic instruments based on the study’s initial experiences?
  3. What were the outcomes and findings of the study using ArtiSential instruments for myomectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about myomectomy is to discuss the different types of instruments and techniques that may be used during the surgery. For example, they may explain the benefits of using advanced tools like the ArtiSential instruments, which allow for more precise movements and potentially better outcomes. It’s important for patients to be informed about their options and to feel comfortable asking questions about the surgical procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended myomectomy are those who have symptomatic fibroids causing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure symptoms, or fertility issues. They may have tried other conservative treatments without success and have a desire to preserve their uterus for future childbearing or personal reasons. Myomectomy is generally recommended for women who wish to avoid a hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the entire uterus.

Timeline

Before myomectomy:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms of fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests, such as pelvic ultrasound or MRI, to confirm the presence of fibroids.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider, including myomectomy as a surgical option.

After myomectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations, such as fasting and receiving anesthesia.
  2. Surgeon performs myomectomy using laparoscopic or robotic techniques, potentially using ArtiSential instruments.
  3. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with pain medication.
  4. Patient is monitored in the hospital for a period of time before being discharged.
  5. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, including resting, avoiding heavy lifting, and attending follow-up appointments.
  6. Patient may experience improvements in symptoms related to fibroids, such as decreased menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about myomectomy using ArtiSential instruments may include:

  1. What are the potential benefits of using ArtiSential instruments for myomectomy compared to traditional laparoscopic or robotic instruments?
  2. How experienced are you in performing myomectomy using ArtiSential instruments?
  3. What are the potential risks or complications associated with using ArtiSential instruments for myomectomy?
  4. How long is the recovery time expected to be after myomectomy using ArtiSential instruments?
  5. Will there be any scarring after the procedure when using ArtiSential instruments?
  6. Are there any specific criteria that make a patient a good candidate for myomectomy using ArtiSential instruments?
  7. How does the cost of myomectomy using ArtiSential instruments compare to traditional laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy?
  8. What is the success rate of myomectomy using ArtiSential instruments in terms of fibroid removal and symptom relief?
  9. How does the use of ArtiSential instruments affect the overall surgical experience for the patient (e.g., pain, recovery time, hospital stay)?
  10. Are there any ongoing studies or research on the use of ArtiSential instruments for myomectomy that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Won S, Kim K, Lee KH, Kim TJ, Kim T, Hwang JH, Park H, Kim MK, Hong DG, Song YJ, Seong SJ. Journal: Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2024 Aug;166(2):648-654. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.15420. Epub 2024 Feb 15. PMID: 38358261