Uterine fibroids occur in up to one third of women and are the leading cause of hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) in the United States. Not all women with uterine fibroids experience symptoms, but symptoms may include excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and difficulty getting pregnant. Hysterectomy is the traditional treatment, but a commonly used alternative treatment for uterine fibroids is myomectomy, removal of the fibroids while conserving the uterus in order to maintain fertility. This surgery is usually performed through a large abdominal incision, but it can be performed with a minimally invasive approach using the da Vinci® S Surgical System.

Jane Starr, M.D., board certified OB/GYN on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital was the first in Fort Bend County to perform a robotic myomectomy. For women who desire a uterine-sparing procedure, robotic surgery offers numerous benefits including reduced pain and scarring, reduced blood loss and need for transfusion, shorter hospital stay and faster recovery and return to normal activity. In many cases, women may choose to have this minimally invasive, uterine-sparing approach based on the size and number of uterine fibroids.

The da Vinci® S Surgical System only available at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers several advantages during surgery. The robotic “arms” and “wrists” that are controlled by the surgeon’s own movements filter even the most minute tremors of the human hand to provide steadiness. The robot’s camera also allows the surgeon to view a three-dimensional image, just as an open surgery would look. The robot seamlessly translates the surgeon’s hand movements into corresponding movements of the laparoscopic surgical instruments that are inside the patient’s body. By using these small tools through keyhole sized incisions, the trauma to the body is reduced and the recovery is quicker and less painful for the patient. Robotic technology offers a number of advantages after surgery including less pain and scarring, diminished blood loss, a shorter hospital stay and reduced recovery period for a quicker return to daily activities.

The robotics program at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been growing rapidly. In the past six months, the first robotic hysterectomy, robotic nephrectomy robotic prostatectomy, robotic colorectal cancer surgery and robotic partial nephrectomy have been performed by specially trained doctors at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “The robotics program is a continuation of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s commitment to bringing the Medical Center home to Fort Bend County, as well as finding and applying the most precise, most beneficial surgical techniques to put patients on a quicker road to recovery with better outcomes,” said Becky Chalupa, the Associate Chief Nursing Officer.

To make an appointment with Dr. Starr or other specialists using robotics technology, call Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s physician referral line 281-274-7500 or visit www.MethodistSugarLand.com.