Key Takeaways:
- Robotic technology-assisted gynecological surgeries have numerous benefits over traditional surgery using large incisions.
- Recovery time is relatively short, as patients can return to normal activities in as little as two to three weeks in many cases.
- A variety of women’s health issues can be addressed with minimally invasive robotic gynecologic surgeries.
- The da Vinci surgical system is a state-of-the-art robotic surgery tool available in Virginia Beach at Tidewater Physicians and their surgery center.
Our practice takes comprehensive quality care to a higher level with a large team of experienced and qualified physicians and providers. We offer cutting-edge technology like the da Vinci robotics, which allows us to perform delicate and complex procedures that may have been difficult or impossible with other methods.
What is Minimally Invasive Robotic Gynecologic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is a specialty type of minimally invasive surgery. “Minimally invasive” means that instead of operating on patients through large incisions like laparoscopic surgery or open surgery, we use miniaturized surgical instruments that fit through a series of quarter-inch small incisions. When performing surgery with the da Vinci—the world’s most advanced surgical robot—these miniaturized instruments are mounted on three separate robotic arms, allowing the surgeon maximum range of motion and precision.
The da Vinci’s fourth arm contains a magnified high-definition 3-D camera that guides the surgeon during the procedure.
Benefits of Robotic Gynecological Surgery
Robotic-assisted gynecological surgery comes with quite a few benefits compared to laparoscopy, including:
- Less blood loss
- Less dependency on blood transfusions
- Less scarring
- Less pain after surgery
- Shorter stays in the hospital
- Quicker recovery
- Reduced risk of infection
- More precise surgery process
What is the Recovery Time for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery?
Most of the time, patients can be discharged from their hospital stay after just a single night, provided that their lab tests are acceptable. After that, most patients are able to return to normal activities in two to three weeks.
What Women’s Health Issues Can Be Treated With Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery in Virginia Beach?
Several conditions can be treated with minimally invasive robotic surgery, including:
- Ovarian cystectomy
- Uterine fibroids
- Evaluation and removal of endometriosis
- Oophorectomy
- Pelvic floor and bladder repair surgery
- Myomectomy
- Hysterectomy
Who is a Candidate For Robotic Surgery in Virginia Beach?
You may be a good candidate for robotic surgery if any of the following apply to you:
- You need a quick recovery time.
- You want minimal scarring.
- You are not a candidate for other kinds of hysterectomies.
- You tolerate anesthesia well.
- Your doctor is familiar with the da Vinci system.
Why Choose Tidewater Physicians For Women
At our practice, we offer comprehensive care with help from a team of highly qualified and experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, and one licensed counselor. We treat women of all ages and have several doctors who are Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG). Plus, we are highly trained with da Vinci surgical tools. Take a look at what some of our patients have to say.
Testimonials
“Amazing! From the receptionist to the techs and doctors, everyone was extremely caring, personable and professional. The wait time was minuscule. I am very glad to have been able to get an appointment with them, and I will be returning for all of my OBGYN needs. Dr. De Grand made the entire experience very comfortable and warm, exactly what I was looking for.” — Loganne G.
“I’m a little blown away by how amazing this place is. I was really scared since this was my first time being pregnant in this area … but I love Tidewater Physicians. They were fast, really kind, helpful, and caring, and I feel like I’m getting really good care. I’ve been to a lot of places in different states, and I think this place is one of the best I’ve been to.” — Ashlee H.
pelvic pain, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding. Three providers are currently certified in performing robotically-assisted procedures:
Dr. Charles A. Wilkes
Dr. Charles A. Wilkes
Charles A. Wilkes, MD graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the College of William and Mary, then earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His training continued at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he completed his residency and continues to serve as a member of the clinical faculty. His extensive training and experience is evident, as Dr. Wilkes is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Dr. Wilkes enjoys working with the team of experienced doctors at Tidewater Physicians for Women in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia, where he provides the full range of obstetric and gynecologic care to women of all ages. His patients rely on his compassion and expertise in preventive care, detecting gynecological problems, and providing the medical attention they need to support a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
When he’s not busy in his medical practice, Dr. Wilkes spends time with his wife and daughter and pursues his special interest in computer technology. He’s an avid racquetball player who also enjoys skiing and photography.
Dr. Kelsey L. Arbogast
Dr. Kelsey L. Arbogast
Kelsey L. Arbogast, MD practices medicine at Tidewater Physicians for Women in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia. She began her career in Oklahoma, where she received her undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma. She continued on to earn her doctorate at the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine. After earning her medical degree, she completed her residency at the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine.
Dr. Arbogast looks forward to continuing her practice with the women in the area by providing routine well woman care, and teaching preventive health care, while expertly treating gynecological problems, and supporting their health throughout pregnancy. She encourages each woman to plan for a healthy pregnancy by visiting her for preconception counseling for screening of risk factors that may impact a future pregnancy and baby.
Dr. Arbogast spends as much time as possible with her husband, daughter, and their dog. They enjoy traveling and being outdoors, where she especially enjoys scuba diving.
Dr. Mary E. Kownack
Dr. Mary E. Kownack
Mary E. Kownack, M.D. was born and raised in Virginia Beach. After graduating from Bayside High School & Health Sciences Academy, she earned a B.S. in Nuclear and Radiological Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She was inspired by Tidewater Physicians for Women while employed as a Research Coordinator for Tidewater Clinical Research during the summers of 2009-2013. Dr. Kownack graduated with her M.D. from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and completed her OB/GYN residency at Detroit Medical Center-Wayne State University, where she served as an Administrative Chief Resident. She was deeply honored to receive awards for excellence in resident teaching, compassionate patient care, and midwifery and nursing support during residency.
Dr. Kownack is excited to return home and join Tidewater Physicians for Women in providing comprehensive women’s health care. She enjoys the full scope of women’s health but is especially passionate about helping women navigate pregnancy. She looks forward to building relationships with her patients and their families.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Kownack loves the beach, music, sports, food, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog.
828 Healthy Way Unit 330
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Fax: 757-467-0301
844 Kempsville Road #208
Norfolk, VA 23502
Fax: 757-461-0836
Appointments:
757-461-3890
Inquiries:
757-461-3890
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