By Dan Murphy
Yonkers Rising and Yonkerstimes.com recently spoke to Dr. Janusz Rudnicki, Gynecological Surgeon and OBGYN at St. John’s Riverside Hospital, about the latest advances in gynecological robotic surgery, and specifically the minimally Invasive da Vinci® Gynecologic Surgery.
Dr. Rudnicki is a physician who brings more than 40 years of experience to his patients, and it shows in the compassion he brings to each consultation, diagnosis, and surgery if required. But Dr. Rudnicki also brings a passion for keeping up to date with the latest technological advances and sharing them with his patients.
“I take great joy and pride in providing compassionate and highly skilled care for generations of women. If you love what you do, you aren’t working a day in your life, and at St. John’s Riverside Hospital, it is the nurses and staff that make it like a family. We all respect our patients and each other.”
A hysterectomy removes the uterus and possibly the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Several conditions may prompt your doctor to recommend a hysterectomy. They range from benign (noncancerous) conditions to cancer conditions, including uterine cancer. Approximately 400,000 women in the U.S. still receive hysterectomies each year.
Dr. Rudnicki explained that there are four ways to perform a hysterectomy on women: Open surgery, through a long incision through the abdomen; trans vaginal surgery, laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole or band-aid surgery, where minor cuts are made in the tummy; or robotic surgery, which is the most advanced and sophisticated.
“For 20 years, we did laparoscopic hysterectomy, so robotics is the next step in performing minimally invasive surgery. I think it’s the future of medicine, and I’m excited because robotic surgery is a significant extension of performing surgery with less pain and scarring. There is also a faster recovery, reduced risk of infection, and patients stay in the hospital for a shorter amount of time,” said Dr. Rudnicki.
Robotic surgery involves mounting tiny instruments on robotic arms to maximize the range of motion while using small, lighted cameras, which allows the doctor to view the surgery from a computer monitor. The da Vinci surgical systems integrate robotics and sophisticated computer technology with the skills of Dr. Rudnicki.
“At St. John’s Riverside Hospital, we are operating on the da Vinci 4, the most advanced model. Safety is paramount, and Intuitive Surgical, the company that makes the da Vinci robot, has set standards ensuring that all surgeons at our hospital are trained and updated,” said Dr. Rudnicki.
The da Vinci system allows surgeons to see and move in three dimensions, allowing them to perform delicate operations with precision and only tiny surgical openings. “Everybody who needs gynecological surgery could be considered a candidate for robotic surgery. I tell all my patients that the lighting and the instrumentation are more precise and state of the art.”
The da Vinci vision system delivers 3D high-definition views, giving your surgeon a crystal-clear view of the surgical area magnified ten times what the human eye sees. Suturing is far easier with robotic instruments as well. Also, blood loss is significantly reduced.
Dr. Rudnicki combines the experience of more than 40 years in medicine with his embracing of the latest technologies. But, in the end, the decision is entirely up to the patient. “Now, more people are asking for robotics based on our discussions and their need for surgery. For those who are concerned about robotics, I give them the pros and cons. I respect the patient’s autonomy, but robotic surgery creates better outcomes. I reinforce that I control every move of the robot. And the results, of less pain, less loss of blood, less risk of infection, and getting back to normal life in days instead of weeks, and nine out 10 of my patients want that outcome.”
Dr. Rudnicki also praised the St. John’s Hospital team that works with him in robotic gynecological surgery. “We are completely committed to safety and quality. Our Robotic Steering Committee creates teams where everyone knows exactly what they are supposed to do. We also have a superb anesthesia team. There are no weak links.”
Dr. Rudnicki is a highly skilled gynecological surgeon with over 25 years of performing thousands of minimally invasive procedures and 12 years of experience performing hundreds of minor surgeries using da Vinci robotic surgery.
In his other capacity, you will find Dr. Rudnicki as an OBGYN delivering babies at St. John’s Riverside Hospital. “I’m addicted to bringing life into this world—it is an incredible experience, and the staff at St. John’s Riverside Hospital helps make the mother more secure. His approach to personalized care combined with St. John’s Five Star Maternity is the perfect choice for mom and baby.
“I love my job, helping women and bringing babies into the world. Nobody is treated like a stranger here at St. John’s Riverside Hospital, and they are greeted like family members. My philosophy is I want my patients to go home and say they had great care. Everyone at St. John’s shares that philosophy, from the nurses to the CEO.
Patient testimonials for Dr. Rudnicki all point to his compassion for his patients and the highest level of personal care during non-rushed appointments.
“Seen right away, great bedside manner and friendly staff. He got me in right away for diagnostics, and his other office was equally amazing. Thank you!” said Christine.
Dr. Rudnick has cared for generations of mothers and their daughters. And it is that type of seasoned professional that you can trust. He also brings a passion for the latest technology to your healthcare needs. Together, Dr. Rudnicki and St. John’s Riverside Hospital give their patients comfort, knowing that you made the right choice.
Call 914.964.3300 for an appointment. Dr. Rudnicki is pleased to announce he is accepting new patients.
Dr. Rudnicki is an active member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, and the Westchester/Putnam County OB/GYN Society. He is the recipient of the Physician of the Year Award and multiple awards in Westchester and Putnam Counties.
