SINGAPORE: KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has introduced a minimally invasive surgical technique for performing hysterectomies, offering numerous benefits to patients.
This advanced method has been met with enthusiasm due to its potential to minimize hospitalization, reduce blood loss, and eliminate visible scars, provided it is executed by highly skilled surgeons.
The new technology combines elements of laparoscopic and vaginal gynaecological surgery. Surgeons at KKH employ specialized instruments to access the patient’s body via the vaginal canal, thereby eliminating the need for abdominal incisions.
Consequently, patients experience a swifter recovery period and no residual scarring, in addition to significant cost savings compared to traditional hysterectomies.
While this approach has clear benefits, it demands an extraordinary level of expertise from the surgeons. Currently, KKH boasts three doctors with the requisite skills to perform this intricate procedure.
Recognizing the importance of expanding its surgical team, the hospital is actively engaged in training more doctors to ensure the continued availability of this remarkable technique.
With more than 200 successful procedures completed thus far, it is estimated that approximately 400 patients each year will enjoy the advantages of this advanced minimally invasive surgery, which is primarily geared towards patients with conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Ms Liu (transliterated from Mandarin), one of the patients who underwent this procedure at KKH, opted for it to mitigate the risk of cancer. In her case, the surgery involved the removal of her fallopian tubes and ovaries, which was carried out successfully. She recounted her experience to Channel 8 news, saying that she was able to resume normal activities soon after the operation and didn’t require prescribed painkillers upon returning home.
Apart from KKH, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) also offers this minimally invasive surgical option, which highlights its growing prominence in the field of gynaecological surgery.
KKH, which conducts approximately 1,000 hysterectomies each year, anticipates that half of these surgeries will benefit from this groundbreaking technique, especially for patients with precancerous lesions or cancer, as well as those with benign conditions like pelvic organ prolapse.