After facing difficult symptoms and uncertainty, many women find renewed health and confidence through a hysterectomy. In this story, Sarah Stafford shares her experience—her challenges, her recovery, and the life-changing relief that followed. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right care and support, healing is possible and hope is real.
About da Vinci Robotic Surgery at Riverview Health
Riverview Health offers the da Vinci surgical system for minimally invasive gynecological and general procedures. On the gynecology side, the technology supports hysterectomy and myomectomy as well as treatment for endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse and heavy uterine bleeding; general surgeons also rely on it for colorectal cancer, colorectal polyps, diverticulitis and other abdominal conditions.
During a da Vinci operation, the physician sits at a console across the room from the patient while the system converts each hand motion into precise, real-time movement of the surgical instruments. A high-definition camera provides magnified, three-dimensional vision, allowing complex work to be completed through just a few small incisions and without disturbing healthy surrounding tissue. Although the platform is robotic, it cannot act on its own — the surgeon remains in command from the first incision to the last stitch.
Research comparing the approach with traditional open surgery has found that da Vinci patients tend to go home from the hospital sooner, lose less blood, deal with less pain and scarring, and resume their normal routines more quickly. The system is part of a broader robotics program at Riverview Health that also includes platforms for spine procedures, partial and total knee replacement, and enlarged prostate treatment.
For women weighing a hysterectomy or another gynecologic procedure, the board-certified OB/GYN physicians at Riverview Health can explain whether a robotic-assisted option fits the diagnosis and walk through what recovery would look like.