UAB first in Alabama to use da Vinci system for pelvic surgeries

UAB’s innovative da Vinci robotic assisted surgery system is enhancing the Division of Gynecologic Oncology’s surgical resources and reducing morbidity, postoperative pain, and recovery time for women undergoing hysterectomy for reproductive tract cancers and other complex gynecological disorders.

“We have begun using the da Vinci system as a tool in our division’s minimally invasive surgical program,” says UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Associate Scientist and gynecologic oncologist Warner K. Huh, MD, who has trained extensively to become certified in da Vinci-assisted procedures. “The system advances treatment and care of women who require standard hysterectomies, hysterectomies with staging for endometrial cancers, and radical hysterectomies for early stage cervical cancer,” he says. “We also are expanding approaches for benign uterine fibroids and pelvic masses. Future applications may include more challenging pelvic procedures, including fertility-sparing surgeries.”

Exceptional Expertise

The da Vinci manufacturer demands extensive training on animal models followed by surgical proctoring and live site coaching prior to physician certification, ensuring the system functions in highly skilled hands. Acquired soon after its 2001 approval by the US Food and Drug Administration, UAB’s da Vinci surgical system has been used extensively in male urologic procedures. In 2006, UAB became the first hospital in Alabama to apply the technology to female pelvic cancers. The system assists with control of rigid endoscopes, blunt and sharp dissectors, scissors, and forceps, and is composed of a surgeon’s console, a patient-side cart, and image processing equipment.

During da Vinci-assisted procedures, Huh inserts the robotic laparoscope and instruments through small abdominal incisions, then places his hands in high-tech gloves that manipulate the robot’s actions to grasp, cut, dissect, and suture.

“Compared with traditional 2-dimensional laparoscopy, the da Vinci robot offers improved dexterity and better visualization through its EndoWrist capability, which gives surgeons complete range of wrist motion, and a 3-dimensional field of vision that magnifies the surgical field up to 10 times,” he explains.

“UAB’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology has significant expertise treating women with complex gynecologic concerns. Robot-assisted surgery is another tool we use to extend the best possible care. Our patients are pleased with the da Vinci-assisted surgical results and cosmetic outcomes. They often go home within 24 hours of the procedure, experience less blood loss compared with open surgeries, and may not require narcotics,” he says.

Not every woman who needs a hysterectomy is a candidate for the robot-assisted approach, Huh cautions. “Women who are significantly obese, have extensive scarring from previous pelvic surgeries, or who suffer from medical conditions that would make surgical positioning painful or difficult may not be appropriate candidates for this approach, although other minimally invasive options may be appropriate.”

Huh encourages physicians to visit www.uabhealth.org/davincihysterectomy to see a video of a da Vinci procedure, including patient commentary.

For more information:
Dr. Warner Huh
1.800.UAB.MIST
mist@uabmc.edu