Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive and robotic procedures are among our specialties. Our expert gynecologists are board certified and recognized regionally for advanced skills in laparoscopic and da Vinci robotic surgery. We understand the natural anxiety over the serious decision to undergo surgery, so before surgery we will assist you in exploring all of your options, including non-surgical treatments, so you can make an informed decision.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy or simply laparoscopic surgery is considered our treatment of choice for the majority of gynecologic procedures. There are advantages to minimally invasive surgery, including:

• Smaller incisions
• Less pain and blood loss
• Many procedures are performed on out-patient basis, such as hysterectomy
• Shorter hospital stay for inpatient procedures
• Quicker recovery

At Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists, more than 95% of our hysterectomies are performed using minimally invasive surgery. According to the American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery (AIMIS), the national average is 30%. Hysterectomies are the second most common surgery among women – nearly a third of all women will need this procedure during their lifetime.

Standard laparoscopy offers patients the smallest and most cosmetic incisions.

We also offer minimally invasive techniques for correction of stress urinary incontinence (urinary leakage treatment) using bladder slings, as well as minimally invasive techniques for pelvic floor prolapse.

da Vinci Robotic Surgery

The ultimate in high-tech laparoscopy is the da Vinci robot surgery. One of our surgeons performed the first robot-assisted hysterectomy in East Tennessee at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Dr. F. Robb McKeown is among the area’s most-experienced robotic surgery experts.

At Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists, you have our resources, our expertise and our promise of compassionate and complete surgical care.

Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center are nationally recognized for excellence in women’s minimally invasive surgery.

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is the first hospital in Tennessee to be named a Center of Excellence for Minimally Invasive Women’s Surgery by AIMIS and is one of only 30 medical centers in the United States to earn the AIMIS Center of Excellence designation. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center’s laparoscopic and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, particularly laparoscopic hysterectomy, has produced excellent patient outcomes and meets the highest standards of quality and safety set by AIMIS.

AIMIS recognizes hospitals and physicians who excel and provide leadership in leading-edge women’s surgical techniques. For more information, please visit www.aimis.org. Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists also is affiliated with the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), whose vision is, “to elevate the global standard for gynecologic care and to ensure that all women have access to minimally invasive surgical options.”