NGMC is the first in the state to receive a Center of Excellence designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecology.
In order to receive this designation, our program passed a rigorous site inspection and self-assessment by a third party organization, the SRC. This process includes physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in the accredited program. The inspection is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization or surgeon improve its care and services. Ultimately, it ensures better outcomes for patients and standardized care that meets a high standard of excellence.
Robotic surgery, utilizing the da Vinci Surgical System, is a less invasive technique than what is referred to as “open” surgery. With robotic surgery, the incisions made in your body by your surgeon are much smaller than the cut made during open surgery. Benefits of robotic surgery compared to open surgery include:
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less blood loss
- Fewer complications
- Less need for narcotic pain medicine
- A faster recovery
- Smaller incisions associated with minimal scarring
Like all new technology, robotic surgery is not appropriate for all patients.
The da Vinci Surgical System is a tool that utilizes advanced, robotic, computer and optical technologies to assist your surgeon with your operation. It does not act on its own and its movements are controlled by your surgeon.
The da Vinci Surgical System has a 3D high definition (3D-HD) vision system, special instruments and computer software that allow your surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control. The 3D-HD image is highly magnified, so your surgeon has a close-up view of the area he or she is operating on.
The da Vinci instruments have mechanical wrists that bend and rotate to mimic the movements of the human wrist – allowing your surgeon to make small, precise movements inside your body.
And, da Vinci software can minimize the effects of a surgeon’s hand tremors on instrument movements.
Surgical Options at NGMC
Surgeons can use the da Vinci Surgical System to perform minimally invasive gynecologic procedures including:
We offer minimally invasive partial and total hysterectomies, sometimes requiring only a single incision for the surgery. Robotic hysterectomies allow great precision and control, helping many patients recover with less pain and less blood loss, ultimately getting them back to their normal life faster.
Through minimally invasive uterine fibroid removal, we can offer pain relief for patients dealing with this difficult condition, while helping patients experience less post-surgical pain and speed up their recovery.
We also offer myomectomies, which is a surgical approach to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. This procedure offers options to patients who are concerned about infertility after uterine fibroid treatment.
Pelvic organ prolapse is a very common condition. As many as 50% of women aged 50 – 80 will experience pelvic organ prolapse. Choosing a program with advanced expertise can help ensure that the problem does not reoccur and help improve your outcomes from the surgery. Minimally invasive pelvic organ prolapse repair is a great option for patients experiencing this issue.
We offer robotic surgical repair for for prolapsed bladder and uterus, including: abdominal sacrocolpopexies (surgical correction of vaginal vault prolapse.)
We offer robotic surgery options for treatment of pre-cancers of the cervix and endometrial cancers.
Learn more about surgeons who perform gynecological robotic surgeries at Northeast Georgia Medical Center:
Gynecology
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