Various gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids and infertility, can affect a woman's reproductive health. Surgery may be the best treatment option when conservative methods and other treatments fail to treat symptoms. With advances in gynecologic surgery, surgeons can now perform minimally invasive gynecologic surgical procedures with robotic surgery.

Advanced and Comprehensive Gynecologic Care in San Antonio

No matter what stage of life you are in—whether you are thinking about starting a family or managing the many changes of menopause, our experienced physicians at Baptist Medical Network are here to help you navigate the different seasons of your life. Gynecologic surgery can be an unsettling prospect for women who need it. At Baptist Medical Network, our physicians understand your concerns and strive to make surgery as safe and comfortable as possible by using robotic surgery for a wide range of minimally invasive gynecologic surgical procedures.

Let us help you navigate your health journey together. Our priority is to always provide our patients with advanced and innovative solutions for a better quality of life. 

What Is Robotic Surgery?

Gynecologic conditions can affect many aspects of a woman's life, including her fertility. The female reproductive is a complex system consisting of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina. Some women benefit from comprehensive clinical management to reduce pain or discomfort. For other women, surgery is the only option to treat the source of the symptoms.

Robotic surgery is a surgical technique that allows surgeons to perform procedures using very small instruments or tools attached to a robotic arm. In robotic surgery, surgeons only make small incisions, making it more beneficial to patients than traditional open surgery. Robotics in surgery provides surgeons with a clear view of the body's interior structures, making surgery more precise.

The following procedures can be performed using robotic surgery:

• Tubal surgery
• Fibroid surgery
• Cancer surgery
• Hysterectomy
• Prolapse and incontinence surgery

How Does Robotic Surgery Work?

Unlike traditional open surgery, robotic surgery allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery with the help of robotic arms. The machine consists of four thin robotic arms inserted into strategically placed incisions one to two centimeters long. The surgeon operates while seated at a console unit, using hand and foot controls. With a 3D, high-definition view of the surgical field, robotic surgery can simulate an open surgical environment without the physical trauma of large incisions.

For qualified candidates, gynecologic robotic surgery may offer numerous benefits over traditional open gynecologic surgery, including shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

Conditions We Treat With Gynecologic Robotic Surgery

Gynecologic robotic surgery can be used to treat the following gynecological conditions more effectively:

• Cervical cancer – Cervical cancer is a disorder that can be caused by long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms may include vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge.

• Uterine cancer – Uterine cancer occurs when uterine cells grow out of control. Women who have gone through menopause are more at risk of contracting uterine cancer. Symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain or pressure in the pelvis.

• Uterine fibroids – Uterine fibroids are characterized by heavy or painful periods or bleeding between periods, feeling full in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, pain during sex, lower back pain and reproductive problems, such as infertility, multiple miscarriages or early labor.

• Endometriosis – Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the tissue that usually lines the uterus, also called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus, often on the ovaries, behind the uterus, on the bowels or the bladder.

• Uterine prolapse – Uterine prolapse occurs when the womb drops down due to weakening pelvic floor muscles and presses into the vaginal area.

• Menorrhagia – Menorrhagia is heavy menstrual bleeding lasting more than a week. If left untreated, this condition may cause anemia. Possible causes include hormone-related problems.

What Are the Benefits of Robotic Surgery?

The benefits of robotic surgery include:

• Shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times
• Less pain and bleeding after the operation
• Smaller scars due to reduced trauma on muscles and other tissue
• Fewer complications
• Quicker return to normal daily activities

As with any surgical procedure, minimally invasive surgery, particularly robotic surgery, has potential risks. Robotic surgery can be more complex than traditional open surgery and may take longer because the surgeon needs direct access to the surgical site. Asking the following questions can help point you in the right direction:

• Is surgery a better option for me than medication or antibiotics?
• Is it a better option than open surgery for me?
• How long will I spend recovering from the surgery?
• How much pain will I feel after?
• Is it any more risky than open surgery for me?
• Is it a better solution or treatment for my condition?

Schedule an Appointment

Our goal is to help people achieve health for life through compassionate service combined with the latest technology and procedures available here in San Antonio. To schedule an appointment, please find a doctor here or call 888-417-4961.

Insurances Accepted

We accept various medical insurance plans at our locations in San Antonio, so you can get the care you need for your condition. For questions about your coverage, please get in touch with your insurance provider directly or visit our patient resources page for your billing and insurance questions. If you have specific questions regarding insurance coverage at any Baptist Medical Network location, call us at 210-606-9071.

Find an OB/GYN Doctor in San Antonio

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from an undiagnosed condition or injury, speak with one of our OB/GYN doctors at Baptist Medical Network for proper diagnosis and advice on the best treatment options. If it is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Please don't delay care.