3 Questions to Ask A Robotic Surgeon
February 9, 2010 by Healthy Women
Filed under Featured
With the introduction of the Da Vinci robotic surgical system, minimally invasive surgical procedures have taken the medical community by storm. These procedures enable surgeons to increase surgical accuracy and improve patient outcomes while reducing recovery times. Many early adopters pioneered robotic techniques in the past decade, and now the option of robotic surgery is being offered at more hospitals and by more surgeons in the Dallas area. Still, it is important for patients not to get caught up in the awe of how the procedure is performed; rather, they should remain focused on their needs as a patient. The following are 3 questions all patients should ask a prospective robotic surgeon during a consultation.
#1 – Is The Robotic Procedure Required
Not all procedures require the use of a robot. Any patient considering a procedure that is available through the Da Vinci system should get clarification as to why the robotic procedure is being recommended during both the primary consult and the second opinion. Though a very high percentage of robotic procedures are successful, the process does introduce variables that do not exist in a normal procedure. Therefore, unless there is a specific advantage that the robotic procedure will bring to a patient, the introduction of additional variables should be avoided in any surgical procedure.
#2 - Ask Your Surgeon How Many Robotic Procedures They Have Performed
Robotic surgery is a completely new skill set that is learned much later in a surgeon’s career. There is no substitute for experience. Ask your surgeon very pointed questions as to the number of procedures they have performed and for how long they have been performing these procedures.
#3 – Inquire Into Your Surgeons Experience in a Specific Procedure
There are multiple procedures that can be performed with robotic equipment. A hysterectomy and the removal of uterine fibroids, for example, are two different surgeries. As a patient, you should seek specialization from your healthcare provider. During your consult, ask questions regarding the experience your surgeon has in performing your specific procedure robotically.
Summary
Robotic surgical procedures offer one of the largest medical breakthroughs in the healthcare industry. As a patient, educate yourself on the implementation of robotics in the procedure you require and find a surgeon experienced in your specific procedure.
Dyspareunia – Painful Sex
February 5, 2010 by Healthy Women
Filed under Featured, Symptoms-Causes
Dyspareunia can be caused by either medical or psychological reasons that result in the experience of painful sexual intercourse. Dyspareunia is the name for painful sexual intercourse, which is a common condition that effects 1 in 5 women at some point in their lives. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, the condition is usually reversible.
Symptoms of Dyspareunia (Painful Sex)
The symptoms of dyspareunia are a decrease in the natural lubrication of the vagina as well as the vagina being less or undialated. These symptoms cause pain in the phallus during penetration making sexual intercourse painful.
Causes of Dyspareunia (Painful Sex)
There are many causes of dyspareunia. A proper physical exam by a medical doctor is the only way to diagnose dyspareunia due to the fact that painful sexual intercourse can be caused by medical and/or psychological reasons. Some of the physical causes of dyspareunia include infections of various parts the vagina including: urinary tract, cervix, and fallopian tubes. Other causes can include surgical scar tissue, ovarian cysts or tumors, STDs, and estrogen deficiencies. There are more causes less frequently seen, thus, it is best to see a doctor to help diagnose them.
Treatment of Dyspareunia (Painful Sex)
Treatment for dyspareunia will depend on the cause of pain during sexual intercourse, but below are some common treatments.
Examination of the pelvis to duplicate the pain experienced during sexual intercourse, allowing the identification of the pain source. Your doctor should explain the cause of the pain so that steps can be taken to lessen and remove the pain over time. Some of these steps often include the removal of the pain source when needed, usage of a lubricant, changes to a couples sexual routine, and decreasing the depth of penetration.