Feel Better, Faster––Dr. Ellen Wilson

Feel Better, Faster

By Ellen E. Wilson, M.D., North Dallas LIVING WELL Magazine

Many busy women delay treatment for gynecological concerns because they don’t have time for an extended recovery, as was often required years ago. Today, women are working, caring for aging parents, and participating in their communities. Six weeks can seem like a lifetime.

Using the latest technology, a number of gynecologic surgeries are now conducted using minimally invasive procedures that can significantly reduce recovery times and allow a faster return to normal activities. The da Vinci® system is a leading edge option that has proven beneficial for many patients.

Dr. Ellen Wilson was one of the first physicians in Dallas to utilize robotic surgery for gynecological procedures and has extensive experience with the da Vinci® system. “Using robotic technology allows us to perform procedures using smaller, very precise movements,” Dr. Wilson says. “The tiny instruments have powerful 3D magnification properties and have a much greater range of flexibility than is otherwise possible.”

This added precision can be beneficial for a number of surgeries, including hysterectomy, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, and tubal reversal. Many patients experience improved outcomes due to smaller incisions, less scar tissue, and diminished post-operative pain. They may also spend less time in the hospital.

Dr. Wilson compares former surgical methods with newer procedures. “Any time a large abdominal incision is made there is a greater level of trauma to the body. Laparoscopy is a procedure that allows for a few smaller incisions and the use of thin surgical instruments with cameras that relay images to a computer to guide the surgeon. Now, with the da Vinci® system, the incisions are still quite small, but there’s the added advantage of greater magnification which provides much higher definition.”

Every surgery carries some risks, and it’s important to talk with your physician about treatments available to you. Dr. Wilson is a gynecologist who is also board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology. She encourages women to take an active role in their health and well-being, asking questions and exploring options.

Dr. Wilson sees patients at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where she also teaches residents and fellows. She earned two Fellow Teaching awards, a medical student teaching award, and was named among the Best Doctors in Dallas four times. She appeared on the Texas Super Doctors list for seven years.

Dr. Wilson encourages women to contact their physicians with questions or concerns. For more information, call 214-645-3858 or 214-645-3888.