Mar 25 2013
Melissa (Mead) Clough, M.D., an obstetrics and gynecology physician and surgeon with a private practice in Milford, MA, today announced she has performed the first endometriosis resection using the da Vinci robotically-assisted surgical system at Milford Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Clough is the first robotically trained gynecologic surgeon in the Milford region and among the few surgeons in metrowest Boston who are taking the lead in using the da Vinci robotic technique for surgical procedures.
Endometriosis is a condition affecting a broad segment of women. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), endometriosis occurs in about one in ten women of reproductive age. Dr. Clough visited the Robotics Epicenter at St. Petersburg General Hospital in Florida to learn firsthand from an expert about the use of robotics for the treatment of endometriosis.
"I am thrilled to be able to offer a minimally invasive surgical option to those patients with endometriosis who are dealing with severe pain and want to improve their fertility," said Dr. Clough. "I am dedicated to using robotic surgical techniques, not only to be on the leading edge with my surgical methods, but to meet the needs of patients who have difficult conditions by offering a solution that provides numerous benefits."
Dr. Clough uses the da Vinci robotic surgical system for all gynecologic procedures, including hysterectomies and ovarian cystectomies. The da Vinci system's 3-D surgical view allows for greater access, precision and control than other minimally invasive approaches, enabling a broader pool of patients, particularly those with complex conditions, to benefit from minimally-invasive surgery. The da Vinci robotic surgical technique also allows for improved outcomes for patients, such as minimal blood loss and tissue damage, smaller incisions, less scar tissue, decreased length of hospital stay and recovery time, diminished post-operative pain, and a faster return to normal activities.
An OB-GYN physician and surgeon for 20 years, Dr. Clough received comprehensive training in the da Vinci robotically-assisted surgical system at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston, MA.