Properly performed robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery is bloodless

Potential surgical blood loss should be considered and discussed by surgeons and patients before surgery. Every operation caries a risk of unintentional bleeding. Prevention and elimination of blood loss is important in order to avoid reduced oxygen supply, steep drop in blood pressure which in turn leads to reduced perfusion of vital organs, such as heart, brain and kidneys. Bleeding also interferes with surgeons ability to recognize the surgical anatomy and this may result in injury to the patient. Experienced and skillful surgeons should be able to reduce or even eliminate bleeding during majority of elective surgeries.

Proper recognition of surgical anatomy and correct execution of surgical techniques ensure effective control of arteries and veins and prevention of blood loss. Robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery provides three dimensional zoom in and out visualization of the surgical field. In addition, simultaneous control of the camera and two surgical instruments significantly improves the conduct of the operation. In experienced hands, robotically assisted laparoscopic surgeries, such as hysterectomies and sacrocolpopexies should be bloodless.

Author

Dr. Nathan Mordel, MD Nathan Mordel, MD, is a board-certified gynecological surgeon at Atlanta Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in advanced robotic, laparoscopic, vaginal pelvic surgery, including for fibroids, endometriosis, heavy and/or painful menstrual periods, pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary incontinence.