For many women, pelvic adhesions and complex pelvic masses can lead to chronic abdominal pain, tenderness and even infertility. Until recently, open surgery was the only way to remove them. But thanks to the advanced techniques of minimally invasive surgery (also referred to as laparoscopic surgery), surgeons can perform many operations through a few tiny openings. As a result, patients experience less scarring and blood loss, lower risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, less post-operative pain and quicker recoveries.

One particularly advanced type of laparoscopy is robotassisted minimally invasive surgery. In these procedures, surgeons use the daVinci "S" Surgical System in the operating room. The daVinci "S" Surgical System allows the surgeon to directly control complex motions that far exceed the capabilities of the human wrist and hand, such as 360 degree rotation. "The robotic instrument can be controlled to move as little as a tenth of an inch," says OB/GYN Mark Laser, MD. "Because of the accuracy of the instrument and the magnified high-definition, three-dimensional view the system provides, safety is greatly improved. As the surgeon, I am able to see much more clearly and closely through the daVinci viewing system than a surgeon doing open surgery or traditional laparoscopy."

If you're a candidate for hysterectomy or surgery for removal of fibroids, endometriosis, infertility or gynecologic cancer, ask your doctor about your treatment options. The daVinci "S" Surgical System is just one of a variety of sophisticated tools available to surgeons at Bridgeport Hospital, providing you with a range of surgical options and the best medical care possible.