Robotic Surgery, DaVinci and Doctor Joon Song.
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Robotic surgery sound a lot more terrifying than it is. In fact, the idea has been around for as long as man first dreamed up the idea of machines that move on their own! It wasn’t until a pioneering invention in 1999 was approved by the FDA that the idea became a reality, and nowadays you can get robotic surgery – originally called ‘The DaVinci System’ – for minor invasive surgeries.
So what does Robotic Surgery actually entail?
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Once you make the decision to undergo surgery robotically, the most important factor to take into consideration is the skill of the surgeon who is to be responsible for the operation. Although robotic equipment is used in the aid of the surgery, it is simply that; a tool for more optimal efficiency. At the end of the day, the decisiveness, experience, and skill of the surgeon is the true factor that controls the results of the surgery. This means that at no point should you be worried that your surgery is automated or being handled by anyone other than a skilled surgeon!
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To go more in depth on the robotic assistance, it consists of four small robotic arms, capable of making minor incisions with the accuracy and consistency that a human hand may lack the control for. The robotic surgeon controls the robotic aid from behind a console and has full control of every single movement of each of the arms. Thus, the knowledge and ability of the surgeon remains constant, but the consistency of the robotic aids makes for a duo that produces more efficient and desirable results. After the first incision is made and the surgery progresses, your doctor will have a full visual of the surgical field through 3D high definition.
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The robotic aid, which boasts four arms compared to the two arms of a human surgeon, is controlled by both the hands and feet of the doctor behind the console. Therefore, not only does the surgeon, who would normally only be able to use two arms, have more control in the subtle movements for minimal invasiveness, but also has two more arms to operate with for more versatility during the operation!
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All in all, what should you look for in a surgeon who will take on a robotic-assisted operation? Previous surgical volume with successful outcomes and the skill of the surgeon in operation of the robotic assistance should be taken into careful consideration. Despite the many potential benefits of robotic assistance, the benefits can only be fully enjoyed when in the hands of a trustworthy and experienced surgeon.
How is hysteroscopy performed?
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Prior to the procedure, if necessary, a sedative will be prescribed to help you relax. You will then be prepared for local anesthesia. The procedure itself takes place in the following order:
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The doctor will dilate (widen) your cervix to allow the hysteroscope to be inserted.
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The hysteroscope is inserted through your vagina and cervix into the uterus.
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A liquid solution is then inserted into the uterus, through the hysteroscope, to expand it and to clear away any blood or mucus.
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Next, a light shone through the hysteroscope allows your doctor to see your uterus and the openings of the fallopian tubes into the uterine cavity.
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Finally, if office surgery needs to be performed, small instruments are inserted into the uterus through the hysteroscope.
The time it takes to perform hysteroscopy can range from less than five minutes to 20 munutes. The length of the procedure depends on whether an additional procedure is done at the same time.
The benefits of the DaVinci System?
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Now that the basics of robotic surgery have been laid out, what specific system do we employ? The DaVinci system is the robotic surgical system of choice, manufactured by the American company Intuitive Surgical. As the manufacturer’s name suggests, the system aids in complex surgeries to ensure that the patient is administered the least invasive procedure. The system, being FDA approved since 2000, is a state-of-the-art system that is controlled by a surgeon from behind a console, and it is the tool of choice at NY Robotic Gynecology.
Not only does the DaVinci system give the surgeon behind the console four separate steady and precise arms for minimally invasive operation, it actually covers the workload of two to three people. Furthermore, each of its four arms does not fatigue like the hand of a manual surgeon’s would. The accuracy and efficiency of the surgical procedure has a higher assurance rate if in the hands and feet of the right surgeon.
Why is Doctor Joon Song the right robotic surgeon?
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The importance of the operator of the robotic aid cannot be stressed enough. Just like with many other fields of skilled labor, an expensive and state-of-the-art tool is only fully appreciated by an operator that has the experience to understand the strengths and benefits of it compared to the alternative. Not only was Dr. Joon Song one of the surgeons who took part in the original robotic surgery performed in New York, but he is CSATS certified and consistently ranking at the top echelons for peer-reviewed Robotic Myomectomy surgery. Maintaining a ranking in the top 5 since the CSATS’s inception, he has not only performed with excellence, but has maintained that level of skill for an extended period of time.
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By providing countless robotic-assisted surgeries, Dr. Song has helped with the pain and discomfort of his patients with great success. Many medical facilities often rush to surgical options, but Dr. Song provides a sophisticated, thorough, and circumspect service that focuses on the patient’s long-term needs and quality of life following the surgery.
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Where other surgeons and medical facilities may jump to the easy conclusion of uterine removal, as a gynecologist, Dr. Song firmly believes in the conservation of the uterus as a crucial organ for overall quality of life. He will make sure to have your best interest in mind and not assert options that simply facilitate and speed up treatment. Therefore, in the scenario that robotic surgery is necessary, Dr. Song will take all the time that is necessary to make every patient fully aware of their options, the risks, and will provide guidance through each step of the way.
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With Dr. Song, you will never be alone for any step of the way or treated just like another patient. Each case will be handled with utmost respect and personal care. Together with the information/concerns you provide and the expertise of Dr. Song and his team, we will come to a unique and comprehensive process for treatment.
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