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Revolutionary robotic treatment for uterine fibroids being performed at United Hospital
New outpatient procedure permits return to normal activities within 48 hours
ST. PAUL, Minn. 05/14/2007--United Hospital in St. Paul announced today, it is now using robotic surgery as a new way to treat fibroid tumors. The procedure is done using da Vinci S®, the most advanced surgical technique for the treatment of uterine fibroids. About 65,000 myomectomies are performed annually in the United States for women who are often of childbearing age and want to retain their reproductive ability.
 "We're excited to have the ability to use robotic technology when it comes to treating complex cases like uterine fibroids," said Dan Foley, MD, vice president, Medical Affairs, United Hospital. "It's important to provide the best options available when treating our patients. This robotic option allows our patients to resume normal activities within one to two days."
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, at least 25 percent of women suffer from uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are the most frequent pelvic tumors seen by gynecologists. They are treated in a variety of ways, including surgical and non-surgical. The first approach is treating through medications or hormonal therapy. But for many, options include a hysterectomy or myomectomy.
"For many surgeons, a myomectomy is the way to go when choosing surgical removal of fibroid tumors, said Peter Sershon, MD, medical director, Robotics Program, United Hospital. "In many cases, large laparotomies were required to handle multiple fibroids or fibroids in areas difficult to reach by laparoscopy. Now, we can accomplish abdominal surgery results with minimally invasive techniques thanks to the DaVinci S®."
Instead of performing the surgery by the patient's side, physicians work from a console several feet away, viewing three-dimensional images captured by cameras inside the patient and controlling the surgical instruments.
"This robot is technically an extension of my hands," said Eric J. English, MD, obstetrics and gynecology. "I can physically take out a larger tumor with very little damage to the tissue surrounding the tumor. This is very important for women who are choosing this surgery and want the ability to potentially have children in the future."
About United Hospital
United Hospital, the largest hospital in the Twin Cities east metro area, is a non-profit hospital providing a full range of health care services to more than 200,000 people each year. United offers a wide range of health services including a birth center, cardiac care in the Nasseff Heart Center, emergency care, oncology, orthopedics, neurosciences and epilepsy, a pain center, rehabilitation, medical imaging and surgery. More information about United Hospital, which is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, can be found on the Internet at www.unitedhospital.com.
About Allina Hospitals & Clinics
Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a not-for-profit system of hospitals, clinics and other health care services, providing care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina owns and operates 11 hospitals, 65 clinics, home care and hospice services, oxygen and equipment, pharmacies, and emergency medical transportation services. Allina Hospitals & Clinics and the latest health information can be found online at www.allina.com.
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United Hospital hosts live webcast of robotic treatment for uterine fibroids
Robotic surgery at United Hospital
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