Dr. Devin Garza explains the advantages of the robotic Acessa™ procedure.

The Acessa™ procedure is a breakthrough in technology that allows physicians to treat uterine fibroids using minimally invasive surgical techniques in a new way. Acessa™ uses radiofrequency ablation to apply energy and reduce the size of fibroids through a small needle on the tip of a special probe.

Our internationally acclaimed Austin obgyn and robotic surgeon, Dr. Devin Garza, is the first surgeon in the world to perform the procedure robotically. His surgical skill with the Acessa™ procedure positions him as a sought-after referral doctor throughout the United States, and he is often called upon to perform surgery on difficult cases.

Performing the Acessa™ procedure robotically allows for greater precision

Dr. Garza says that performing the Acessa™ procedure robotically offers the surgeon wonderful optics. “Robotics enables you to visualize and control the ultrasound guidance on the same display as your 3D camera vision.”

While Dr. Garza is operating the robotic arms, he can use his foot to push a switch to see images projected by the ultrasound probe in the abdomen. This excellent view “…ultimately helps fine-tune the precision of the placement of the RF [radio frequency] energy probe.”

The excellent optics and wristed instrumentation on the robotic platform provide the surgeon with unprecedented precision, making it possible to guide the probe into the fibroid with incredible accuracy. This reduces surgical trauma to the uterus.

The Acessa™ procedure is outpatient surgery performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. When performed robotically, it’s generally scheduled in a hospital operating room. Patients usually are able to return to work in 3-5 days.

Most patients are candidates for this fibroid procedure

Dr. Garza says that most patients are candidates for the robotic Acessa™ procedure, even those who have been told they have to have a hysterectomy because their fibroids cannot be surgically removed.

According to Dr. Garza, “The Acessa™ procedure gives us the ability to take on a much higher percentage of patients with fibroids, especially those with difficult pathologies, who traditionally would only have had access to a large incision (laparotomy), myomectomy or hysterectomy.”

If you would like to learn more about the Acessa™ procedure, contact us.