In our day and age of advanced technology, our doctors and providers are able to provide more options than ever for our patients. In fact, many surgeries are able to be done robotically or in a minimally invasive way. Many of our procedures can be done in our office instead of at the hospital. Let’s talk more about these options.
Having a robotic surgery such as a hysterectomy may seem strange—sometimes patients ask, “is the robot doing my surgery?” Well, not exactly. The physician leading the surgery uses the robot as a tool, directing the robotic arms from a console. Depending on the surgery and the patient’s needs, robotic surgeries are sometimes recommended because they can be minimally invasive compared to other forms of surgery. Oftentimes, the incisions (if any) are smaller and less painful, and generally patients are able to recover faster. In many cases, patients are able to go home the same day of their surgery without an overnight stay. This can be less expensive for the patient and allows them to return home for recovery in the comfort of their home.
Not all patients are good candidates for minimally invasive surgeries. At the end of the day, the doctor or nurse practitioner will recommend what is best for each patient. And as with life in general, there’s not 100 % guarantees with procedures & surgeries. There are inherent risks, but our providers talk to patients about risks and benefits so that they can feel informed and make the best decisions for themselves. Our providers do whatever they can to minimize risks and provide the best care for each patient.
Some procedures can be done in our office by a physician or nurse practitioner. This is usually less expensive for our patients and allows them to have the procedure done in the comfort of our familiar office instead of a big trip to the hospital. Not all procedures can be done in office or for every patient, so talk to your provider about what he or she recommends for you.
To see if you’re a good candidate for a minimally invasive surgery or in-office procedure, request an appointment with your provider.