I've done a lot of research into the new robotic da Vinci procedure versus an open, old-fashioned hysterectomy. I'm well aware that the da Vinci method is far less intrusive, requires less healing time, etc., and claims to be more precise and offer better visualization, since the images are shown in three dimensions and enlarged on the monitor. My gyn/onc told me that in my particular case open surgery would be the way to go, since imaging procedures did not show any concrete tumors, but evidently the cells are distributed throughout the abdomen, including the omentum (the fluid drawn from my abdomen had cancer cells in it). In open surgery, my gyn/onc said, he would be able to go over the entire area and pick out and remove each individual cell.
I went to get a second opinion from a renowned gyn/onc working for the local Mayo Clinic who has been using the da Vinci method for several years (the procedure has been performed only for the last 5 years) and he assured me that results show that the da Vinci method is fully as efficient and thorough in finding cancer cells as open surgery. Besides, should the surgeon find that the da Vinci method doesn't work in a particular case, he will switch to open surgery.
I like the idea that the da Vinci method is less invasive, however, my main criterium is: how do the long-term results produced by either method compare? (5 years are not a very long time to come to a definite conclusion on the efficacy of the da Vinci procedure.) Which method produces the best results in terms of survival time? Even though open surgery may be more invasive and painful at this time, it wouldn't matter if it enables the surgeon to find cancer cells distributed over a large area more easily, which in turn would result in longer survival time.
If you've had robotic surgery or know about it, I would like very much to hear from you because I have to make a decision very soon. Thanks to all!
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Open Hysterectomy
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5 replies
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- By kmarienap
- Posted January 9, 2009 at 8:28 am
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I dont think it matters on what kind of surgery you have. everyone is different and most of the time its the undetected cells that give future problems. i was dx at stage 3c and statistics give me 5 yr survival. it will be 5 yrs this march and no recurrence. i had complete hysterectomy the old fashioned way with 6 rounds of chemo for residual treatment. i was very fortunate because of my type of tumor etc. had this not been the case at a worse case scenario, i would not have stood a chance of being here today. most of us are told up front that the statistics are based on 10 yrs. of research which outdates them. i would recommend lots of research in order to make the best decision for you. and definetely keep a positive attitude as i truly believe that the mind has a great deal of influence on the body. each of us are unique and this is why we are all affected differently. what works for one will not neccessarily work for another. you will make the right choice and please keep us updated.
- By FavoriteAunt
- Posted January 9, 2009 at 8:42 am
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That is a tough decision but I think it comes down to the trust you have in your surgeon. I think I'd personally go with the open surgery since the robotics haven't been used that long. I had surgery 8 years ago by one of the top gyn/onc surgeons in the state and was blessed with a 6 year remission at IIIC. I'm sure it was due to the expertise of my surgeon, who was independently recommended to me by 3 of my other doctors. I'm in my second recurrence now, but know I was treated by one of the best and that has prolonged my life.
I hope you get your questions answered and come to a decision that gives you comfort. Most of all, I hope whatever you choose is successful and you get a nice long remission! Good luck.
- By Zid
- Posted January 9, 2009 at 6:57 pm
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Hello kmarienap and Favorite Aunt, Thank you for your response to my posting about open surgery vs. robotic surgery and all the info and encouragement. Meanwhile I decided to have the open surgery because, as I mentioned, the cancer is evidently dispersed throughout the abdomen, and I think cancer present in more outlaying areas would be hard to detect with the robotic surgery, and open surgery offers a larger view of the different organs that may be affected. From what I read, robotic surgery is better suited for stages I and II (I'm in stage IV). Thanks again for helping me to make up my mind! Zid
- By verlinda
- Posted January 9, 2009 at 10:41 pm
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Zid,
Let us know how things are going. I'm glad you're going for open surgery. I haven't discussed da Vinci with my oncologist, but my understanding is a direct look is always more revealing than a picture, even 3-d.
- By keigan
- Posted August 19, 2009 at 2:17 pm
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the decision is a personal one. i too struggled with which route to go. i settled on doing the DaVinci the reason being the vision and ability to harvest more nodes. I did my research and that is what i came down to. I think either way is appropriate, you have to follow your heart. mine is scheduled for 2 days from now. Time will tell. either way i will fight each day to delay becoming a statistic.
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