Robotic Surgery for Gynecologic Procedures
Robotic-assisted surgery has quickly become one of the fastest growing technologic advances in the treatment of gynecologic oncology in the past several years. In February 2006, Todd D. Tillmanns, MD, FACOG, gynecologic oncologist, performed the first robotic-assisted hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in the Mid-South using the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System. Today, he and Mark Reed, MD, FACOG, are the only gynecologic oncologists in the area trained to use the da Vinci® for gynecologic malignancies.
Robotic surgery is innovative technology that can be used in the treatment of all endometrial and cervical cancer patients who would be eligible to receive traditional laparotomy incisions. Robotic technology offers substantial benefits to both patients and the surgeons performing the procedure.
For most patients, robotic surgery can offer numerous advantages, including:
- Less blood loss and fewer transfusions
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less pain and scarring
- Less risk of infection
- Faster return to normal activities
Today, the da Vinci® Surgical system is the most advanced surgical system of its kind, being utilized to perform hysterectomies and endometrial cancer staging procedures and radical hysterectomies with lymph node dissection for cervical cancer. During a procedure, the surgeon sits at a console maneuvering the controls which direct the robotic arms. The robotic device replicates the surgeon’s hand movements with extraordinary precision and dexterity, utilizing 3-D visualization as the surgeon navigates the surgical field with the use of highly-precise instruments—all through a 1-2 centimeter incision. As complex as the technology is, the da Vinci® is simple in execution, requiring only one surgeon to operate, allowing the surgeon to be in control simultaneously with the camera while manipulating the instruments.
The West Clinic Center for Gynecologic Oncology is the only center of its kind in the Mid-South with a comprehensive minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and robotic surgery program. Our team reviews and evaluates each patient individually to determine the best course of treatment. As leaders in cutting-edge research and treatment for more than 25 years, West Clinic physicians currently participate in nationally sponsored clinical trials for ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers. In addition, as part of The West Clinic’s ongoing mission to develop and train future specialists, our physicians developed specialized training programs in collaboration with the University of Tennessee College of Medicine to teach these and other advanced surgical procedures.
In February, 2009, Dr. Tillmanns presented “Multi-institutional Gynecologic Oncology Robotic Surgical Consortium Experience: Preparation for a Potential Prospective Randomized Trial” at the Society for Gynecologic Oncology’s 40th Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancers in San Antonio. In addition Dr. Tillmanns was recently elected as the President of the Memphis Robotic Surgery Society in which he and Dr. Reed as well as numerous other local surgeons from the fields of cardiothoracic surgery, otolaryngology, urology, gynecology, urogynecology, and general and colorectal surgery are founding members. The Memphis Robotic Surgery Society is a collaborative effort of surgeons in the greater Memphis area committed to improving minimally invasive surgery to patients in this area and providing the highest level of robotic surgery in all specialties.
SMART MEDICINE September 25, 2009
Drs. Mark Reed and Todd Tillmanns discuss robotic-assisted surgery for gynecologic malignancies.
Robotic Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer ORlive™ Webcast
Minimally invasive surgery focusing on robotic laparoscopic systems
Robotic Gynecologic Surgery
Dr. Todd Tillmanns Featured in Commercial Appeal Robotics Article on May 27, 2009