FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is a hysterectomy a major operation?

Yes. Any surgery that involves entering your abdomen is considered a “major” surgery, because a complication can result in major risks to your health, such as bleeding and infection.

Why would I need a hysterectomy?

Hysterectomies are done to improve the quality of life for a woman suffering from debilitating periods, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, painful sex, or anemia due to heavy periods. Hysterectomies are also done to remove cancer of the uterine, cervix or ovaries. If a woman wants to preserve her options for pregnancy, hysterectomy is not the correct choice and as such, other options would be explored. 

What are the complications of a robotic hysterectomy?

A robotic hysterectomy’s complications are no different from the complications of any other type of surgeries. In fact, surgeries in general  includes 3 inherent risks: bleeding, infection and possible damage to other structures.

With this being said, it is noteworthy that bleeding is minimal with robotic surgery. Although possible, it is highly unlikely, and very rare that the bleeding can be of such a volume to require a transfusion.

In terms of infections, any opening of your abdomen can introduce germs from the outside world into this normally sterile part of your body.Paired with your body’s natural immune system, antibiotics are given before, during, and/or after surgery to lower the chances of an infection.

Surgery involves cutting, whether it’s done with a scalpel, surgical scissors, a cautery, or a laser. As such, it is always possible another structure may be damaged. The huge advantage of the robot is that its capability for meticulous surgery using 3-D stereoscopic views and micromanipulations of its instruments makes this complication rare.

How does a specialist like Dr. Bozdogan performs a robotic hysterectomy?

Simply put, while under a general anesthesia, small cosmetic incisions are made in the abdomen. Through stereoscopic viewing glasses that render a 3-D view inside your pelvis and using his knowledge of anatomy and physiology, he carefully seals the blood supply to your uterus and the ligaments that hold your uterus in place. Free from these attachments, he then can remove your uterus. Once this process is completed, the incisions are cosmetically closed with glue, staples, or tiny sutures.