Magee Surgeon First in the Region to Perform a Robotic Single-Site Hysterectomy

Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC recently became the first hospital in western Pennsylvania to perform a hysterectomy through a single incision using robotic technology. This nearly scar-free surgical option provides women with a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive approach to gynecological surgery.

Alexander Olawaiye, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist at Magee, last week performed a hysterectomy by removing the patient's uterus through one incision in the belly button. He and his team performed the hysterectomy using the da Vinci® surgical system.

Prior to advances in first laparoscopic, and now robotic, surgery, women requiring hysterectomy could sometimes take weeks to recover, and they often had significant scarring on their abdomens.

Recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, single-site robotic surgery offers the traditional benefits of minimally invasive surgery, including shorter recovery times, smaller incisions, less pain and blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. It also provides the additional benefit of a single incision site, so women are left with one, nearly invisible scar.

"Performing hysterectomies robotically, when appropriate, allows us the ability to conduct complex surgeries in a minimally invasive way," said Dr. Olawaiye. "Robotic, single-site hysterectomy offers a reduction in pain and recovery time, and comes with the added benefit of minimal scarring."

Magee surgeons regularly perform bariatric, gynecologic and urologic surgeries robotically. Recently, Magee acquired a second robot to meet the hospital's growing surgical demands.

"At Magee, the ability to provide women in western Pennsylvania a variety of advanced surgical options and experienced surgeons is part of our commitment to the best possible health of our patients," added Dr. Olawaiye.

Provided by University of Pittsburgh