Gynecologic Oncology

Gynecologic oncology is the field of medicine specializing in cancers of the female reproductive system.

If you have a gynecologic oncologic condition, and you did not find relief through medication or nonsurgical procedures, then you may be a candidate for surgery. With advances in robotic technology, surgeons can perform many gynecologic oncology surgeries using a robotic surgical system. This means a more precise surgery with a faster recovery time and less risk to function and nerve sensation.

Gynecologic Oncology: Conditions We Treat

Our surgeons perform surgery for many gynecologic oncology conditions, including:

  • Cervical cancer
  • Uterine cancer
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Pelvic tumors
  • Pelvic lymph nodes 

Gynecologic Oncology: Robotic Surgery

Surgery is often the cornerstone of cancer treatment. In the past, surgery for gynecologic cancers meant a long and painful recovery. Robotic surgery offers a superior, more precise surgery with a faster, less painful recovery.

Gynecologic Oncology Surgery: Benefits of a Robotic Procedure

At St. Joseph’s, we are committed to ensuring your safety and to providing excellent outcomes. Our expert surgeons use their extensive training and experience to provide you with the most effective treatment possible.

When you undergo a robotic procedure for your gynecologic oncology condition, benefits include:

  • Better visualization of the operating area, leading to a more precise surgery with less manipulation of healthy tissue and nerves
  • Better outcomes
  • Less pain and discomfort after the surgery
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster recovery
  • Small scar

Robotic Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery

Perhaps you are anxious about the lengthy recovery time after gynecologic oncology surgery. Or maybe you want to know when you can get back to your daily activities. Facing surgery can be scary, but with robotic surgical procedures, your recovery will be shorter and less painful than if you had traditional surgery.

 

Traditional Surgery

Robotic Surgery

Incision type

Large, in order to access uterus and surrounding anatomy

Small multiple incisions

Danger to surrounding organs and nerves

Greater, due to more manipulation of internal structures

Less, due to precision of robotic instruments

Risk of blood loss and infection

Greater, due to larger incision

Rare

Recovery period

Longer, more painful compared to robotic

Shorter, with less pain

Outcomes

Good

Greater precision leads to better outcomes

Gynecologic Oncology Robotic Procedures

Our robotic surgeons are some of the leading experts in the region, performing hundreds of procedures every year.

St. Joseph’s surgeons perform the following robotic procedures to treat gynecologic oncology conditions:

  • Hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus. There are three methods:
    • Abdominal hysterectomy, the removal of your uterus through an incision in your abdomen.
    • Supracervical hysterectomy, a hysterectomy that removes only the uterus, preserving your cervix and often your ovaries. This procedure preserves your sexual function.
    • Radical hysterectomy, the removal of your entire uterus, surrounding tissue, cervix and the top part of the vagina, generally done only when cancer is present.
  • Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, a hysterectomy that includes removing the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy).
  • Pelvic lymph node dissection and para-aortic lymph node dissection, the removal of the lymph nodes in the pelvis and around the aorta.
  • Excision of pelvic tumor, the removal of tumors in the pelvis.
  • Vaginal radical trachelectomy, the removal of the cervix; this is a safe, effective, fertility-preserving surgery.