M. Patrick Lowe, MD, renowned robotic surgeon and gynecologic oncologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, will demonstrate the use of robotic surgery to treat endometrial cancer via a live interactive webcast on Thursday, July 17 at 3:00 p.m. CDT at www.ihealth.nmh.org.
Lowe, director of the robotics and minimally invasive surgical program for the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, was among the early adopters of robotics to treat gynecologic malignancies, citing precision, improved dexterity and superior patient outcomes among the benefits.
“Women diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy want the shortest route leading back to a degree of normalcy post treatment,” says Lowe. Robotic surgery offers the path of least resistance, combining shorter recovery times with superior outcomes.”
Northwestern Memorial is home to the only dedicated surgical robotics program for gynecologic malignancies in Illinois, and one of only a few in the country. Lowe, who was recruited by Northwestern Memorial in 2007 to help develop the program, has been using robotics for gynecology patients since 2006, shortly after it was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration. Today, Lowe treats 50 percent of all endometrial patients and 60 percent of all cervical cancer patients using minimally invasive robotic surgery.
When compared to traditional surgery, studies have demonstrated that minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of uterine, endometrial and cervical cancers offer patients similar survival with the added benefits of a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, decreased blood loss during surgery, decreased pain and improved quality of life. In addition, patients experience less scarring and reduced incidence of infection. This is encouraging news to the thousands of women diagnosed with some form of gynecologic cancer annually.
“Surgical robotics provides improved visualization, dexterity and precison over current conventional laparoscopy and expands the range of surgical options for many patients,” says Lowe. “We are not advocating for an end to traditional procedures, as they will always remain viable options for combating this killer of women. We simply want women to be educated about all available treatments including minimally invasive surgery to fight this disease.”
The July 17 webcast will include commentary from a colleague of Dr. Lowe who will address questions from viewers as Lowe performs a robotic hysterectomy to treat a patient diagnosed with endometrial cancer. It is the second in a series of four interactive webcasts hosted by Northwestern Memorial on minimally invasive surgical options, and is open to patients seeking information on the latest treatment options, as well as physicians looking to learn more about robotic surgery and receive continuing medical education credit.
“It’s important that patients understand the options available to them, and that physicians be aware of surgical advancements such as the application of robotics for gynecology so they can educate and refer patients for specialized care,” says Lowe.
Visit www.ihealth.nmh.org to participate live or view archived webcasts with Northwestern Memorial physicians.
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