Outpatient Hysterectomy
Barbara Schroeder, MD provides advanced gynecological surgeries and procedures on an outpatient basis utilizing the latest technology. Procedures are minimally invasive and recovery time is significantly less than with traditional open surgical techniques.
Robotic Hysterectomy (daVinci Robotic Surgery)
When looking for a minimally invasive hysterectomy in Houston, look no further than Barbara Schroeder, MD. Dr. Schroeder provides robotic hysterectomy procedures using the daVinci system. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus when a disease is present. In a total hysterectomy with salpingo oophorectomy, the cervix, uterus, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed.
A robotic hysterectomy via the daVinci system presents many advantages over traditional hysterectomy surgery, such as the following:
Minimal pain
Lower risk of infection
Less scarring
Minimal blood loss
Shorter recovery time
Same day discharge (outpatient procedure)
Dr. Schroeder utilizes the daVinci system for robotic hysterectomies because it provides enhanced control, vision, dexterity, and precision. Miniaturized wristed surgical instruments work alongside 3D, high-definition technology to go beyond the limitations of traditional surgery.
During a robotic hysterectomy, the patient lies comfortably on their back while given a general anesthetic to put them to sleep. With this advanced technique, usually only four (and rarely five) small incisions are made across the abdomen. Dr. Schroeder then uses the control devices of the daVinci system to navigate surgical instruments to remove the uterus. She may remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes, as well. Since this is an outpatient procedure, the patient will return home several hours after their surgery.
The robotic hysterectomy is the least invasive of the various hysterectomy methods. This minimally invasive hysterectomy in Houston is much less painful than a traditional procedure, and patients recover much sooner than with abdominal hysterectomies. The minimal pain is manageable with anti-inflammatories. Mild vaginal bleeding may occur during the recovery period, as well. Full recovery from a robotic hysterectomy takes about three to four weeks, although many patients return to work two weeks after surgery.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is another hysterectomy technique intended to be minimally invasive and result in a shorter recovery time for the patient. Laparoscopic hysterectomies use advanced technology to give the surgeon advanced vision, precision, and control. During a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the patient is put under general anesthesia while several small incisions are made across the lower region of the abdomen. Dr. Schroeder then uses a long, thin instrument (called a laparoscope) to provide light inside the abdominal cavity. The laparoscope has a tiny camera attached to the end that obtains images of the pelvic organs and transmits them to a video monitor that the surgeon uses to get a detailed view while working. The surgery is then completed using surgical instruments through small abdominal incisions. Dr. Schroeder may also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes if necessary. We monitor all laparoscopic hysterectomy patients for several hours after the procedure before discharging them. Patients can expect a full recovery in three to four weeks.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
Barbara Schroeder, MD offers abdominal hysterectomies in addition to more minimally invasive options like robotic hysterectomy. The abdominal approach is considered one of the traditional hysterectomy procedures and it is the preferred method for patients who meet certain diagnostic criteria, including:
Having a larger than average uterus
Potential disease in other pelvic organs
Advanced gynecological cancer
Stage 4 endometriosis
Abdominal hysterectomies are more extensive and invasive than robotic hysterectomies, but they are still the preferred technique in patients with certain types of gynecologic cancers or large fibroids.
During an abdominal hysterectomy, the patient is put under general anesthesia before Dr. Schroeder makes a horizontal incision across the lower portion of the abdomen. She will then remove the uterus and examine the remaining pelvic organs for signs of disease. The ovaries and fallopian tubes will be removed if it meets the patient’s unique needs. Abdominal hysterectomies usually require an overnight stay as postoperative pain is greater than with minimally invasive procedures.
Recovery after an abdominal hysterectomy is typically longer and more complex than with other techniques. There will be a slight scar left at the incision site. After this procedure, the patient should avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting or vigorous exercise until fully healed. Complete recovery time can be anywhere from four to six weeks.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
Vaginal hysterectomy is a hysterectomy technique in which the uterus is removed through the vagina without any abdominal incisions. It is a less invasive method than abdominal hysterectomy and results in a shorter recovery time, but it is not always an option for every patient. Vaginal hysterectomies are not intended for patients with larger uteruses or certain diseases that affect other pelvic organs.
Dr. Schroeder provides vaginal hysterectomies as an alternative to abdominal hysterectomies. Since this method is less invasive than an abdominal hysterectomy, it presents the following benefits:
Faster recovery time
No external scarring
Minimal pain
Lower cost
Same day discharge
During a vaginal hysterectomy, the patient is put under general anesthesia before the surgeon makes an incision on the inside wall of the vagina. Using long surgical instruments, the surgeon will clamp off the uterine blood vessels and separate the uterus from connective tissue before removing it through the incision in the vaginal wall. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incision before the patient awakens. Our team will monitor the patient for a short time before discharging her to go home.
