How a hospital in Edmonton is using robots in surgeries for women with cancer below the waist. Learn about this groundbreaking tool and what it means for those wanting to deliver babies post-surgery.
Now, more than ever before, I feel as though we (as women) are paying more attention to our well-being. We’re more motivated to keep our bodies and minds in tip-top shape and to educate ourselves about women’s health as a whole. So, when the opportunity came to go behind-the-scenes at the Lois Hole Hospital to check out a robot used in surgeries on women with gynaecological cancers, I jumped at the chance.
Robots in Surgeries For Women
The Lois Hole Hospital hospital welcomed the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System a few years ago. The investment was made possible thanks to donors who covered the $3.5 million cost. It’s is the only robot of its kind in Alberta entirely dedicated to women’s health (we don’t have to share this one with the boys – they have their own). So, if you’re diagnosed with cancer below-the-waist, you’re likely to get in for surgery sooner rather than later.
The da Vinci provides the surgeon behind its controls with enhanced vision, dexterity, and control. The robot is able to access the cancer making a series of tiny incisions. Thanks to minuscule “hands”, the robot’s precision translates into shorter hospital stays and decreased susceptibility to infection and scarring. This also means quicker recovery time (most patients go home the same day as their surgery!).
Delivering Babies Post-Surgery
One of the da Vinci benefits that really resonated with me relates to women wanting to have babies post-surgery. In most cases, the chances of a successful pregnancy drastically improve thanks to the minimally-invasive nature of the procedures.
Better For Surgeon’s Well Being
The da Vinci’s also popular with surgeons because they’re able to sit at the robot’s controls, as opposed to standing hunched over their patient for several hours while performing laparoscopic surgery. (A little less wear and tear on their bodies.) With this equipment in Edmonton, we’re able to attract some of the best doctors in the world to work here.
I especially care about this asset because I’m a woman, I love my girlfriends, and I want the women in my life around forever. The fact that we have the da Vinci in Edmonton makes me proud!
For more information about the da Vinci, click here. To read up on the Edmonton Health City initiative, click here.
Pin this to your My Health and Women’s Health boards and follow me on Pinterest here.
Thank you to Edmonton Health City for sponsoring this post. As always, opinions and thoughts are all mine.
Other Posts You’ll Love:
How To Become A Resilient Parent
My Sublime Skin Contouring Experience
xx
Thank u for saving my life. Had laparoscopic surgery January.