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 Surgeries Laparoscopy & Robotics
Laparoscopy & Robotics-Assisted Surgeries One of Dr. Pizarro's specialties is minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery. Gynecologists were the first surgeons to popularize laparoscopy in the 1970's. This surgical advancement allows surgeons to perform procedures through very small incisions. A small incision is made at the belly button so a lighted scope can be placed there. The belly is filled with gas to allow the surgeon to see the surgical areas on a television monitor. Then, other small incisions are created in other locations on the belly. These allow for other very small instruments to be placed and moved by the surgeon to operate. There is less pain, quicker recovery, less scarring, and a shorter hospital stay than when a large incision is used. Routine laparoscopy uses instruments and electronics that have not changed much over the years. The instruments only move in certain directions and limit the range of the surgeon's hands. The image seen by the surgeon on routine laparoscopic televisions is flat and not realistic. These limitations sometimes make complicated surgeries more difficult, requiring a larger incision. Dr. Pizarro is able to offer new treatments that help solve these problems. Recently an exciting technology has allowed greater precision, 3-D vision, and complete control over laparoscopic instrumentation. The United States FDA has approved computer-assisted (robotic) laparoscopy to treat women with surgical gynecologic conditions. With this amazing technology, the problems with routine laparoscopy are solved. A much greater range of surgeries can be performed, allowing more women to benefit from smaller incisions, better recovery and shorter hospital stays than before. Although it is called robotic surgery in reality there is no robot. Robots are able to do tasks all by themselves. The robotic instruments used in gynecologic surgery move only under the guidance of a specially trained surgeon. Dr. Pizarro started doing robotic surgery in 2002 during his fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. |
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