Robotic surgery offers elite level of treatment of gynecologic cancers

When it comes to gynecologic oncology, a delicate touch is required.

That’s why Meritus Gynecologic Oncology Specialists are now providing a robotic surgery option for treatment of certain cancers.

“There are a lot of advantages over traditional surgery where you open people’s belly,” said Dr. Beman Khulpateea, who will be offering medical and surgical care through the specialist office. “There is a faster recovery time and lower blood loss, among other things.”

Robotic surgery allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery with a high degree of accuracy, thanks to different kinds of computerized imaging.

Small incisions are made and the instruments are inserted while the physician stands at a control panel nearby, surrounded by monitors.

Dr. Khulpateea said the computer imaging allows him to become “immersed” in the surgery.

“You’re able to see incredibly small details,” he said.

Similarly, the robot’s 360-degree controls afford such precision it’s almost like a perfect extension of the doctor’s hand.

“It allows us to do a lot of the very delicate parts of dissection,” Dr. Khulpateea said. “The robot allows you a lot more dexterity.”

Whether you qualify for robotic surgery depends on tumor size, invasiveness and location. The surgery can be used to treat gynecologic conditions and cancers including endometrial and early stage ovarian, among others, he said.

Robotic surgery can be part of an overall treatment plan that could include radiation and chemotherapy.

Dr. Khulpateea is trained to use the da Vinci Surgical System, of which Meritus has a version.

He received his medical degree from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn – College of Medicine. Dr. Khulpateea did his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the State University of New York, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in Buffalo, N.Y. He also did a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He is board certified.

He also practices in the Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy in Baltimore, along with Dr. Neil Rosenshein, who also practices with Meritus Gynecologic Oncology Specialists.

The two of them are rolling out a new focus in the practice, Meritus Center for Vulva Disorders, which concentrates on treating very personal, complex and sensitive issues involving vulva abnormalities.

By bringing Dr. Khulpateea’s skills to Meritus, it completes the puzzle for patients battling gynecologic cancers.

“Dr. Rosenshein and myself are able to offer the full gamut of all the gynocolgical malignant care,” he said. “It keeps patients from having to go into Baltimore or to Pittsburgh, in some cases.”

To learn more about the Meritus Gynecologic Oncology Specialists or robotic surgery, or to schedule an appointment, call 301-665-4640 or visit http://www.meritushealth.com/services/gynecologic-oncology.