Non-Cancer Treatments

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Understanding Common Benign Conditions

Our advanced facility, experienced surgeons and compassionate staff create the best possible environment for the treatment and recovery of our patients. With our minimally invasive surgical techniques, you will be back to normal activities faster and with less pain and scarring when compared to conventional surgery. To learn more about our robotic procedures and whether they are right for you, contact us via our convenient online contact form or call Call407-303-4424.

When a hysterectomy is recommended as treatment for gynecological cancer, fibroids, endometriosis or another uterine condition, women now have a revolutionary new procedure to consider. A da Vinci^® robotic hysterectomy offers many improved robotic surgery benefits over traditional vaginal, open or conventional laparoscopic surgeries.

Robotic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive advanced laparoscopic surgery that employs state-of-the-art robot technology and magnified 3D vision. The da Vinci^® robotic micro-instruments translate the precise movements of the surgeons’ hands while filtering out even the slightest tremors. High-definition scaled 3D imaging allows for optimum viewing and manipulation of sensitive nerves and tissues.

Of the over 600,000 hysterectomies performed in the U.S. every year, patients who choose a da Vinci® hysterectomy over traditional surgeries experience the following benefits:

Shorter Hospital Stays
Less Pain, Blood Loss and Scarring
A Quicker Return to Regular Activities
Fewer Infections and Other Post-Surgery Complications

A myomectomy performed through the Global Robotics Institute is a highly effective, minimally invasive surgical procedure, which successfully removes uterine fibroids from the wall of the uterus. Although some women who suffer from uterine fibroids (also known as myomas) must undergo a complete hysterectomy, a myomectomy is much more conservative because it removes only the fibroids and leaves the uterus intact

Myomectomy is the only treatment available for fibroids/myomas that preserves fertility, and is the best method for women who plan to become pregnant. The presence of a fibroid does not guarantee the need for removal, but, when symptoms such as pain, uncomfortable pressure, abnormal bleeding and interference with reproduction arise, the Global Robotics Institute can treat the condition with minimally invasive robotic surgery.

The da Vinci^® System

Superior control and precision are important for any surgical procedure, especially those that deal with the delicate tissues of the uterus. This is why we utilize the da Vinci^®Surgical System, which combines remotely operated robotic arms equipped with minute surgical instruments and magnified 3D real-time imaging.

This provides our surgeons an increased level of precision, versatility, and control in intricate surgical procedures. And, because of its minimally invasive nature and tiny incisions, our patients benefit from great reductions in pain, scarring and recovery time.

Improving Your Quality of Life: The da Vinci^® hysterectomy is a minimally invasive new approach that uses leading-edge robotic technology. The state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System takes gynecological surgery to new heights by allowing incredibly precise movements, dexterity and control through minimal surgical openings and powerful 3D vision/magnification.

Becoming the treatment of choice worldwide, innovative technology offers potential robotic hysterectomy benefits that include:

Significantly less pain

Smaller amount of blood loss

Fewer complications, including reduced risk of infection less scarring (1” incisions vs. 4-6” with open surgery)

Shorter hospital stay (1 day vs. an average of 3 days)

Quicker recovery and return to normal routine
Premier Technology, Premier Location: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a uterine condition that requires surgery, you owe it to yourself to learn more about the benefits of da Vinci^® robotic surgical system. This state-of-the-art procedure positions AdventHealth as a leader in advanced gynecological treatment methods within the medical community.

In fact, AdventHealth Orlando is recognized as the #1 hospital in Greater Orlando by U.S. News & World Report. Endeavoring to maintain this prestigious designation, AdventHealth is committed to delivering high-quality patient care and state-of-the-art medical procedures, such as da Vinci^® hysterectomies.
What to Expect - Overview: What to Expect - Surgery, Recovery & More

At the Global Robotics Institute, the development of a treatment plan addresses not only your physical symptoms, but your emotional and spiritual well-being as well. Knowing what to expect after surgery will help prepare you for the recovery period.

Upon arriving at AdventHealth Orlando, you will be welcomed by our caring staff and undergo thorough testing to evaluate your condition. If surgery is deemed the best treatment option, our team will explain the many benefits of the da Vinci^®robot and how it will positively impact your healing and recovery.

We will tell you what to expect before, during and after this minimally invasive procedure, and answer all questions you may have about side effects, such as vaginal bleeding, alternative treatments, cost, sex after surgery and more.

Rest Assured

We understand that facing surgery is a difficult time. We are as sensitive to your emotional state as we are to your physical symptoms. By providing as much information as possible, our mission is to replace your concerns with confidence and hope.

Our best advice about what to expect after surgery is to encourage you to focus on healing, maintaining a positive attitude and regarding the recovery period as a time of renewal. Please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced staff to discuss your questions and concerns.
Before Surgery: Before Surgery - Prepare Your Spirit and Your Body

What should you do before surgery? First of all, know that you are in good hands. Your choice of AdventHealth for cancer treatment means you have access to one of the most experienced surgery teams in the world, who specialize in advanced gynecological procedures. This combination, along with your positive attitude and proper physical and mental preparation, will ensure the best possible outcome.

Prior to your surgery, your physicians will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions that will help you prepare your body for your surgery.

Surgery Recovery Time - What to Expect and How to Help

Although it will vary from one woman to the next, expect to be able to return home within 24-hours of your surgery, and to be feeling back to normal after approximately two weeks. This is significantly less than typical recovery times of an open or vaginal procedure. Remember that, with any type of surgery, your body will simply need time to heal. Even if you experience little or no pain, you have just had a major surgery. Listen to your body. Rest when you’re tired. Walk – slowly at first, then build up as you feel ready.

A few other general recommendations in the weeks before surgery will positively impact your recovery time:

Eat foods high in fiber – fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help ensure optimum colon health

Walk as much as possible – the better shape you’re in before surgery, the easier your recovery will be; use this time for positive thinking and reflection

Make things easier for yourself when you return home – clean your house (or have it cleaned for you), buy healthy groceries that are easy to prepare, gather books from the library and other hobbies you enjoy, have prescriptions filled before your surgery

Vaginal Surgery or Open Surgery Procedure? Consider an Alternative

These recommendations of what to do before surgery are directed to patients of AdventHealth. If, however, an open surgery or vaginal surgery procedure has been suggested elsewhere, you may want to consider the many benefits of treatment at our world-class facility.
After Hysterectomy Surgery: What to Expect After Hysterectomy Surgery Using da Vinci^® Robotic Technology

The surgeons at the AdventHealth Global Robotics Institute are renowned for providing excellence in patient outcomes, so you can expect good results from your hysterectomy surgery. After surgery you should plan on:

Spending one night in hospital. Most patients go home within 24-hours

An early return to normal activities

Being back to work within 1-2 weeks

Minimal discomfort

The following post-surgery information has been provided to assist our cancer patients in preparing for robotic surgery and knowing what to expect after hysterectomy surgery. The most important piece of advice we can offer is to listen to your body and your doctor.

Follow These Guidelines After a Robotic Hysterectomy Surgery:

No lifting for several weeks

Return for your post-op appointment about one week after surgery

Walk slowly and often, and increase walking time as you are able

Eat healthy foods and drink lots of water

Avoid stress

You can usually return to work in about 2 weeks

Abstain from sex after surgery for 6-8 weeks

Hysterectomy Surgery Recovery Time

As compared to an abdominal or vaginal surgery, robotic hysterectomy surgery recovery time is typically significantly shorter, with patients experiencing fewer side effects and returning to normal activities sooner.
Sex After Hysterectomy: Important Information About Sex After Surgery

Some of the most common questions asked of our robotic surgical team at AHCI are in regards to sex after surgery.

How long should I wait before having sex after surgery?
Recovery time does vary from one woman to the next, but our surgeons recommend waiting 6 weeks before engaging in sexual intercourse.

Will I experience a decrease in sexual desire?
If ovaries are removed during robotic surgery, sexual desire may be impacted due to decreased levels of estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy can help reverse this issue. If ovaries are left intact, sexual desire should not be affected. In fact, some women find their sex life is positively impacted during this time of renewal.

What if vaginal dryness is a problem during sex after surgery?
Estrogen creams (by prescription) or over-the-counter lubricants can provide relief. Keep in mind that your choice of a robotic surgery greatly reduces the risk of damage to the pelvic autonomic nerves of the vaginal wall, which are responsible for the control of lubrication. Read more about robotic surgery benefits.

Sex After Vaginal Surgery

Wondering if the answers are the same for sex after vaginal surgery or abdominal surgery? In general, yes, although abdominal surgery may require even longer recovery and abstinence. The major difference is that recovery time is significantly reduced after minimally invasive robotic surgery. This means that women may be quicker to resume normal activities, including enjoying pleasurable sex after surgery.

While endeavoring to care for the emotional and spiritual needs, as well as physical treatment of our patients, we welcome your questions. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have about sex after surgery or other issues with our caring and knowledgeable staff at AdventHealth Cancer Institute.
Gynecological Robotic Surgery Recovery Time: Recovery Time - Robotic vs Open

At the Global Robotics Institute, state-of-the-art robotic hysterectomy & myomectomy procedures are setting a new standard for treatment of uterine conditions requiring surgery. One of the main benefits of robotic surgery is that the recovery time is substantially decreased, as compared to other surgical techniques.

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure that involves one-inch incisions, as compared to a 4-6 inch incision with open surgery. Resulting in less blood loss, less pain and less scarring, robotic surgery recovery time allows a patient to resume normal activities quicker. Here are several other comparisons:

Open surgery – 6 to 8 week recovery time; expect a 2-week recovery after robot-assisted surgery

Open surgery – typically a 3-day hospital stay; with robotic surgery, patients are usually released 1 day after surgery

Da Vinci® vs Vaginal Surgery Recovery

While vaginal surgery recovery time is shorter than that of open surgery, robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery provides the greatest benefits for the surgeon, as well as the patient. Highly advanced da Vinci robot technology employs the use of wristed micro-instruments and 3D magnified vision. This powerful combination allows the surgeon the greatest degree of precision, dexterity and visual acuity. Less trauma to internal tissues and organs also positively impacts recovery time after surgery.

Recovery Time After Surgery

Recovery time after surgery is a time of healing and renewal, from a physical as well as a psychological perspective. At GRI, our mission is to be sensitive to and take care of all the needs of our patients.