Robot-Assisted Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus. Depending on the reason for the surgery, a hysterectomy can involve removing surrounding organs and tissues, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries. 

Your healthcare provider will discuss the type of hysterectomy you need depending on your condition. This will determine if your fallopian tubes and/or ovaries will be removed. 

The different types of hysterectomy surgeries include: 

  • A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix but leaves the ovaries. Since you still have ovaries, you won’t enter menopause immediately after surgery. 
  • A supracervical hysterectomy removes just the upper part of the uterus while leaving the cervix. You can also have your fallopian tubes and ovaries removed at the same time. Since you still have a cervix, you will still need Pap smears. 
  • A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Since your ovaries are removed, menopause will start immediately if you haven’t already completed it. 
  • A radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of the vagina, and some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. Healthcare providers use this procedure when cancer is involved. Since your ovaries are removed, you will enter menopause. 

A healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments before recommending a hysterectomy, depending on the reason for needing one. Sometimes, those treatments don’t help, or surgery is the only option to treat the condition. 

Surgeons perform hysterectomies to treat the following: 

  • Abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding 
  • Severe pelvic pain 
  • Uterine fibroids and other noncancerous tumors 
  • Severe endometriosis 
  • Uterine prolapse that can lead to urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence 
  • Cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer 
  • Conditions with the lining of your uterus, such as hyperplasia or adenomyosis 
  • Serious complications of childbirth such as uterine rupture 

Many people have a hysterectomy to prevent cancer. For people at high risk for certain types of cancer, removing the uterus and/or surrounding reproductive organs can reduce the chances of developing cancer. 

Healthcare providers can use several different surgical approaches to perform a hysterectomy, including a robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy. 

A robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy is like an abdominal laparoscopy; however, a surgeon performs the procedure with the help of a robotic machine. 

A surgeon inserts a laparoscope through the abdominal incisions. They insert small, thin surgical tools through three to five other small incisions around your belly button. The surgeon controls robotic arms and instruments. 

The recovery is similar to laparoscopic hysterectomy. 

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, including: 

  • Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of inside your abdomen and pelvis that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate 
  • Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand 
  • Minimal scarring 
  • Less pain 
  • Faster recovery times 
  • Less risk of wound infection 
  • Shorter hospital stays 
  • Less blood loss 

To learn more about our robotic surgical procedures or schedule an appointment, contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center at (718) 670-5000. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) affect the temporomandibular joints and muscles around them. The temporomandibular joints help you chew, talk, and move your jaw.

TMD is common in adults and affects up to 12 million people in the U.S., with females being twice as likely to have it. It often starts between the ages of 20 and 40 years old.

Signs and symptoms of TMD can include:

  • Jaw or face pain
  • Jaw stiffness or locking
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Trouble opening or closing your mouth
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
  • Earaches or ringing
  • Neck or shoulder pain
  • Eye pain
  • Tooth pain

TMD can happen for several reasons, including:

  • A jaw injury, such as a break or dislocation
  • Arthritis in the jaw
  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Stress that causes jaw tension
  • A misaligned bite

Several habits can make TMD worse, such as:

  • Chewing on pens, ice, or nails
  • Taking large bites of food
  • Daytime clenching or sleeping on your stomach
  • Using teeth as tools
  • Poor posture

A healthcare provider can diagnose TMD after performing a physical exam and ordering imaging tests to check how your jaw moves and look for signs of pain or stiffness.

The physical exam may include:

  • Seeing how wide you can open your mouth
  • Feeling your joints as you open and close your mouth
  • Pressing around your jaw to check for tenderness

Imaging tests include:

  • Dental X-rays
  • MRIs
  • CT scans

Treatment for TMD depends on what’s causing your symptoms and their severity. Most people with TMD start treating it with noninvasive options such as medications and nonsurgical therapeutic options, which focus on relaxing your jaw and improving movement.

Medications to treat TMD can include:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Muscle relaxers for clenching or grinding
  • Antidepressants to help with chronic pain

Nonsurgical therapeutic options to treat TMD can include:

  • Custom mouth guards or splints
  • Jaw exercises through physical therapy
  • Ultrasound therapy to relax muscles
  • Trigger point injections, such as dry needling or steroids
  • Changing habits, such as avoiding hard foods or improving posture
  • TENS (gentle electrical currents) to ease tension

If medications or nonsurgical therapeutic options don’t help manage TMD symptoms, a healthcare provider may suggest surgical options, such as:

  • TMJ arthroscopy
  • Arthrocentesis to flush the joint
  • Open-joint surgery for more serious problems

TMD is treatable and rarely causes lasting problems, especially if it is diagnosed and treated early.

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine. Please call (718) 670-5521.

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones are small, pebble-like lumps of calcified minerals, food debris, and germs, such as bacteria and fungi, that form in the tonsils.  

The most common symptom of tonsil stones is bad breath. Other symptoms can include: 

  • Sore throat 
  • Cough 
  • Difficulty swallowing 
  • Earache 
  • Bad taste in your mouth 
  • The feeling of something stuck in your throat 

Tonsil stones form when debris gets trapped in the tonsillar crypts, or the folds in the tonsils, and calcifies. You are more likely to develop enlarged tonsillar crypts if you have chronic tonsillitis. 

Anyone can get tonsil stones, but a person is more likely to develop them if they have dehydration or are a teenager. 

Tonsil stones are generally harmless. However, large or chronic tonsil stones can cause swelling and make it difficult to swallow, as well as trigger other types of infections.  

A healthcare provider can diagnose tonsil stones by: 

  • Performing a physical exam and looking inside your mouth and throat 
  • Taking an imaging scan if they can’t see the tonsil stones easily 
  • Dislodging them with a dental pick 

In many cases, tonsil stones can be removed at home by: 

  • Gargling with warm saltwater 
  • Using a water flosser to flush them out 
  • Using a cotton swab to push them out gently 
  • Coughing vigorously to dislodge them 

If they can’t be removed at home, a healthcare provider can remove them during a visit to their office. If you get tonsil stones frequently or if they cause uncomfortable symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatments, such as: 

  • Medications, such as over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or antibiotics 
  • A tonsillectomy to remove your tonsils 

Tonsil stones can’t always be prevented. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them, such as: 

  • Brushing and flossing regularly, as well as brushing your tongue 
  • Staying hydrated 
  • Gargling with warm salt water after eating 
  • Quitting smoking  

If you are experiencing symptoms of tonsil stones, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine. Please call (718) 670-5521. 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Robot-Assisted Prostatectomy

A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove all or part of the prostate gland. It is used to treat prostate cancer and other prostate conditions.  

A robotic prostatectomy is a type of prostatectomy performed by a surgeon using surgical tools attached to robotic arms that assist in removing the prostate gland during the procedure.  

A robotic prostatectomy differs from a traditional open prostatectomy, which requires a large eight-to-ten-inch incision. Instead, a minimally invasive approach called laparoscopy allows the surgeon to operate with precise movements and allows the surgeon to operate by way of a one-to-two-inch incision and five much smaller incisions in the lower stomach.  

Although it is less invasive than open surgery, robotic prostatectomy is considered a major surgery.  

A robotic prostatectomy can be performed by using different approaches, depending on the condition that needs treatment, including: 

  • Robot-assisted radical laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is used to treat prostate cancer by removing the entire prostate gland, surrounding tissues, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes 
  • Nerve-sparing prostatectomy is a surgical approach that takes the prostate gland while not trying to injure the nerves that play a role in erections. However, this may not be possible if there is cancer very close to the nerves. A non-nerve-sparing prostatectomy may be needed 
  • Simple robotic prostatectomy or partial prostatectomy only removes the inner part of the prostate, leaving the outer part intact. This procedure is performed to ease symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate 

A partial prostatectomy eases urinary symptoms and complications resulting from blocked urine flow, such as: 

  • Urinary tract infections 
  • Trouble starting urination 
  • Stopping and starting while urinating  
  • An urgent need to urinate often 
  • Prolonged urination 
  • Urinating more than usual at night 
  • The feeling of not being able to fully empty the bladder 
  • Not being able to urinate 

It is possible to survive or live without a prostate. And like any surgery, robotic prostatectomy comes with some risks and side effects, and your healthcare team will work to lower these risks. 

A robotic prostatectomy has several benefits, as it can cause less pain and bleeding than traditional open surgery and allow for a shorter recovery time. 

To learn more about our robotic surgical procedures or schedule an appointment, contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center at (718) 670-5000. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Scoliosis Awareness Month

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share stories, and advocate for early detection and treatment of scoliosis, a spinal disorder that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine resembling the letters “S” or “C”. 

The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which means the cause is unknown but is thought to be genetic. There are three types of idiopathic scoliosis: 

  • Infantile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from birth to three years old. 
  • Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from three to nine years old. 
  • Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from 10 to 18 years old. 

Some other forms of scoliosis include: 

  • Congenital scoliosis- when scoliosis is present at birth. 
  • Neuromuscular scoliosis- when scoliosis is caused by an underlying systemic condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, or paralysis. 
  • Syndromic scoliosis- when a unique group of spine conditions causes scoliosis. The most common diseases that cause syndromic scoliosis are: 
  • Marfan’s syndrome 
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome 
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta 
  • Neurofibromatosis 
  • Prader-Willi syndrome 
  • Arthrogryposis 
  • Riley-Day syndrome 

Scoliosis affects one in 40 children and up to one in three adults. Many have gone undiagnosed for years. That is why earlier detection is important, as it can lead to improved treatment options and a better quality of life. 

There is a wide range of causes and ages at which scoliosis can occur. However, scoliosis may appear during the main growth years for children (years 10 to 12), which is the growth spurt period for children before puberty. 

During this time, scoliosis will often present with the following symptoms: 

  • One of the child’s shoulder blades is higher than the other. 
  • The appearance of the child’s head is not centered on the rest of the body. 
  • Uneven hips or one hip may stick out more than the other. 
  • Pushed-out ribs 
  • Difficulty breathing due to a reduced area for lung expansion. 
  • Back pain and discomfort 
  • When the child bends forward, it appears that the two sides of the back are at different heights. 

The main goal for patients with scoliosis is to get an early diagnosis. Scoliosis is diagnosed when a pediatric orthopedist uses a physical exam and X-rays to diagnose early-onset scoliosis. 

Scoliosis can be treated non-surgically and surgically. Some non-surgical treatments for scoliosis include: 

  • Observation 
  • Bracing 
  • The Risser cast 

Some surgical treatments for scoliosis include: 

  • Spinal fusion surgery 
  • The growing rod technique 

Scoliosis is treatable, and the sooner a child is diagnosed, the less likely they will need surgery and the healthier they will be. 

If you think your child may have an abnormal spine curvature, you can visit Flushing Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-3007. 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Basilar Invagination

Basilar invagination is a rare condition that occurs when the top of the spine gets pushed into the base of the skull. This can lead to pinching or pressure on the brainstem, which is the group of nerves connecting the brain to the spinal cord. This condition is painful and can cause various neurological symptoms.  

The spine is made of seven vertebrae and is numbered from C1 to C7; this is called the cervical vertebrae. The C1 vertebrae is at the top of the spine, supporting the skull. The C2 vertebrae lies below the C1 and has an upward peg that enters a hole in the C1, which lets the C1 vertebrae pivot on the C2, allowing the head to turn sideways.  

If the peg of the C2 vertebra moves too far upward into the C1 vertebra, it can put pressure on the brainstem. The brainstem normally passes from the skull into the spinal canal through an opening at the base of the skull called the foramen magnum. 

In basilar invagination, the C2 vertebra moves upward toward this opening. As it pushes into the foramen magnum, the space for the brainstem becomes smaller. This reduced space can lead to compression of the brainstem. 

Basilar invagination occurs when a person has problems with the bones in the neck or vertebrae. It can also be caused by platybasia, which is the flattening of the base of the skull. Basilar invagination can be present at birth. However, it can develop later due to illness or injuries resulting from vehicle or bicycle accidents, falls, or accidents during activities such as diving. 

Basilar invagination may occur in people with conditions, such as: 

  • Rheumatoid arthritis 
  • Tumors 
  • Paget’s disease 
  • Brittle bone disease 
  • Marfan syndrome 
  • Rickets 

The symptoms of basilar invagination can vary based on the pressure on the brainstem, spinal cord, or nerves. Symptoms may become noticeable when a person bends their neck. Symptoms of basilar invagination include: 

  • Headache or pain in the back of the head 
  • Weakness in the neck, arms, and legs 
  • Tingling when bending the neck 
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet 
  • Difficulty swallowing or talking due the loss of muscle control caused by nerve damage 
  • Inability to tell the position of body parts without looking 
  • Twitching eye movements or nystagmus 
  • Loss of feeling or sensation in limbs 
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness 
  • Confusion 

A person may also feel a shock down their back when they bend their neck forward or may experience paralysis. 

If basilar invagination goes untreated, it can cause complications such as hydrocephalus or syringomyelia, which are conditions that occur when the flow of fluid around the brain and spinal cord is blocked and the fluid collects in the brain or spinal cord. What’s more, if the lower brainstem gets compressed, it may result in death.  

Basilar invagination is diagnosed when a healthcare provider performs an examination to look for symptoms of the condition as well as discusses a person’s medical history. They will also use tests to check if a person’s spine and nerves are affected. These tests include: 

  • X-rays 
  • MRI 
  • CT scan 
  • Myelography 
  • Nerve conduction studies 

The treatment for basilar invagination depends on its symptoms and severity of the condition. If a person has basilar invagination that presents without signs of brainstem compression pressure on the spinal cord, a healthcare provider will use: 

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin to relieve pain or swelling 
  • Neck traction, which involves gently stretching the neck to increase the space between the bones to relieve pressure 
  • A neck collar or brace to support the neck and limit movement 
  • Physical therapy that consists of neck exercises 

If a person has signs of brainstem compression and nerve problems, they will need surgery. Surgery can be performed through the nose or mouth and can also be performed at the junction of the head and neck. Healthcare providers aim to use surgery to decompress or relieve the pressure on the brainstem or spinal cord and stabilize the joint in the neck. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with basilar invagination, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome or rapid gastric emptying is a condition that occurs when food and gastric juices move abnormally quickly from the stomach to the small intestine after eating.  

Dumping syndrome most commonly occurs after stomach surgery due to it altering the stomach, which can increase the risk of developing the condition. These surgeries are performed mostly to treat obesity, but they can also treat stomach cancer. Dumping syndrome can also happen after esophageal surgery, such as surgery to treat esophageal cancer. Surgeries for other conditions can cause dumping syndrome, including: 

  • Bariatric surgery 
  • Esophagectomy 
  • Gastrectomy 
  • Vagotomy 
  • Fundoplication 
  • Pyloroplasty 

Symptoms of dumping syndrome generally start within minutes after eating, especially meals containing high levels of table sugar and fruit sugar. Symptoms include: 

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Feeling bloated or too full after eating 
  • Stomach cramps 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Rapid heart rate 
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness 
  • Flushing  

Late dumping syndrome starts one to three hours after eating a meal that is high in sugar. It takes time for symptoms to develop because the body releases large amounts of insulin to absorb the sugars entering the small intestine after eating. This process results in low blood sugar levels. Symptoms of late dumping syndrome can include: 

  • Rapid heart rate 
  • Sweating 
  • Weakness  
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness 
  • Flushing 

Some people can have both early and late symptoms. 

A healthcare provider can diagnose dumping syndrome by using the following methods: 

  • Discussing medical history and performing a medical evaluation 
  • Testing blood sugar 
  • Performing a gastric emptying test 

If a person has early dumping syndrome, the condition is likely to resolve itself on its own within three months. In the interim, dietary changes may help ease symptoms. If dietary changes don’t help, an antidiarrheal medicine will be prescribed and injected under the skin to slow food from emptying into the intestine.  

If medication doesn’t work, surgical procedures such as reconstructing the pylorus of a reverse gastric bypass may be recommended. 

There are dietary strategies that can help maintain good nutrition and minimize symptoms, including: 

  • Eating smaller meals 
  • Drinking 6-8 cups of fluids per day 
  • Drinking most of your fluids between meals 
  • Lying down for 30 minutes after meals 
  • Changing your diet 
  • Increasing fiber intake 

If you are going to drink alcohol, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before doing so. Drinking alcohol beverages can worsen dumping syndrome symptoms because they can be absorbed quickly and can have high sugar content, which can lead to blood sugar levels rising rapidly and cause a significant insulin spike and then eventually low blood sugar. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with dumping syndrome, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes clogged, infected, and inflamed. It can cause acute pain in your lower abdomen; however, for most people, pain begins around the belly button and then moves. As inflammation worsens, appendicitis pain typically increases and eventually becomes serious.

Symptoms of appendicitis include:

  • Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower belly
  • Sudden pain that begins around the belly button and often shifts to the lower right belly
  • Pain that worsens with coughing, walking, or making other jarring movements
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low-grade fever that may rise as the illness worsens
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Belly bloating
  • Gas

Additional symptoms that may develop later in some people can include:

  • Malaise
  • Urinary symptoms- needing to go more frequently or more urgently
  • Bowel paralysis

The size and location of the appendix make it easy for it to become clogged and infected. Your large intestine is home to many bacteria. If they become trapped in your appendix, they overgrow and cause an infection. The bacteria then multiply quickly, causing the appendix to become inflamed and filled with pus. If it is not treated right away, the appendix may burst or break open.

Some common causes of inflammation, swelling, obstruction, and infection in your appendix include:

  • Hardened poop (appendix stones)
  • Lymphoid hyperplasia
  • Colitis

Other factors that could block the opening of your appendix can include:

  • Tumors
  • Parasites
  • Cystic fibrosis

Risk factors for appendicitis include:

  • Age – anyone can develop appendicitis, but it most often happens in people between the ages of 10 and 30
  • Your sex – men have a slightly higher risk of appendicitis than women

To help diagnose appendicitis, a healthcare provider will likely take a history of symptoms and examine the abdomen. Tests used to diagnose appendicitis can include:

  • A physical exam
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Imaging tests

Appendicitis may spontaneously resolve if the cause suddenly goes away on its own. This might happen if an obstruction in your appendix gets unblocked and passes through the intestines, or if an infection causing lymphoid hyperplasia in your appendix suddenly improves. However, you shouldn’t assume this will happen or that it has happened, even if your pain has reduced.

The standard treatment includes medicine such as antibiotics and surgery to remove the appendix. The surgical procedure to remove the appendix is called an appendectomy, and it can be performed using robot-assisted technology.

Appendicitis is considered an emergency, so it is treated in the emergency room.

If you are experiencing symptoms of appendicitis, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Common Myths About Robotic Surgery De-Bunked

The way surgical procedures are performed has evolved. Today, surgeons use advanced technology such as robotic surgery to perform delicate operations and improve patient outcomes. 

During robotic surgery, a surgeon performs surgical procedures using a robotic device, which features a three-dimensional camera and a robotic arm that can hold small surgical instruments and is more dexterous than a human’s hand.   

There are several myths about this surgical technique: 

Myth #1: The surgical robot performs surgery on its own 

Some people believe that robots perform surgery on their own. The truth is that robot surgery is robot-assisted. A surgeon is specially trained to control the robotic system and always controls it 

Myth #2: Robotic surgery has more risks than traditional surgery 

Robotic surgeries are minimally invasive and are safer and more effective than traditional open surgeries. Robot-assisted surgical technology is designed to reduce the physical impact of surgery on the body, as patients will experience: 

  • Smaller incisions 
  • Reduced pain and fewer complications 
  • Faster recovery 

Myth #3: Robotic surgery is only for complex or high-tech surgical procedures 

Robotic surgery is often used for complex procedures; however, robotic-assisted techniques can also be used for routine procedures, such as hernia repairs and gallbladder removals. 

Myth #4: Robotic surgery is always more expensive than traditional surgery 

People commonly believe that robotic surgery is too expensive or that it isn’t covered by insurance. Like traditional surgery, robotic-assisted surgical procedures are typically covered by insurance providers when they are considered medically necessary. Robotic surgery may reduce overall healthcare costs because it is minimally invasive. 

Robotic surgery has its advantages and disadvantages. The use of this surgical technique depends on the patient’s needs. This is why it is important to consult with a healthcare provider and surgical team, as they will deem what the best course of action for that patient.  

For more information about robotic surgery or to learn more about other surgical options at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call (718) 670-5000 to make an appointment. 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Meet Our Doctors- Dr. Andrew Bi

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is proud to introduce Dr. Andrew Bi, the newest member of our orthopedic surgical team.  

Dr. Bi was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in East Lyme, Connecticut, and currently resides in Queens. He graduated from the University of Connecticut magna cum laude with honors. He then graduated from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine summa cum laude with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. He then completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at NYU Langone Orthopedics, where he served as Executive Chief resident. Dr. Bi later underwent subspeciality training at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in a sports medicine fellowship, where he served as assistant team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Steel, and DePaul University. 

Dr. Bi has received numerous awards for teaching, clinical care, and research, including the Ralph Lusskin Senior Resident Teaching Award, the Marian Frauenthal Sloane Clinical Research Award, and the Rush Annual Thesis Day Award.  

Dr. Bi treats all aspects of orthopedic injuries with a special interest in the management of all shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee conditions, including, but not limited to robotic-assisted joint replacements for arthritis, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries for sports injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meniscus, cartilage, rotator cuff, and labrum injuries, and the fixation of fractures. His current research efforts involve anterior cruciate ligament injuries, meniscal allograft transplantations, rotator cuff tears, hip arthroscopy, and orthobiologics.  

Dr. Bi is excited to begin at the Medisys family at Jamaica Hospital, bringing with him a sports medicine subspecialization expertise, as well as his Chinese heritage, to take care of the diverse population surrounding the hospital.  

If you are experiencing any conditions or injuries affecting your bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 670-5486. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.