Women’s Wellness and Robotic Surgery with LVMC’s new OBGYN

Yvonne Wolny, M.D., J.D., FACOG, is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist seeing patients at Lompoc Health – North Third Center. 

Dr. Wolny, who previously was in private practice in Chicago for 20 years and an attending physician in OBGYN for a community health center, is trained in the da Vinci Robotic Surgery system. The intense specialty training enables her to conduct gynecological surgeries using the da Vinci system at LVMC. Dr. Wolny earned her medical degree (M.D.) in Medical Academy of Poznan, Poland and holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology investigation of primary breast cancers, which she earned in Hamburg, Germany. She is also a Doctor of Jurisprudence, or J.D., and has worked as an associate attorney in Chicago at a Medical Malpractice Defense Law Firm. Dr. Wolny completed her internship at Stamford Hospital in Connecticut and her residency at Washington University Medical Hospital Center, Barnes -Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Q: What would you like women to know about you and your specialty? 

A: I am a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist who has practiced the specialty for many years. Over the years, I gained vast experience in providing care to women of all ages. I am a dedicated and compassionate physician committed to accommodate the needs of all patients.  

Q: What medical issues are you treating since coming to Lompoc: 

A: I have been seeing women – including adolescents – for abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy menses (periods), uterine fibroids/polyps, pelvic pain, endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, infertility, ovarian cysts, abnormal PAP test management, contraception, IUD and Nexplanon management (insertion/removal) 

Q: How do you suggest a woman prepare for a gynecological visit? 

A: Prior to the gynecological visit, there is no specific preparation required except being able to express all pertinent concerns. If a patient transfers care from another medical facility, it is always beneficial to have all pertinent information, including prior medical records. I also recommend the patient write down questions before the visit, in case they have trouble recalling prior conditions or issues. 

Q: What should a woman expect in terms of exams and questions when coming to see you for surgical management? 

A: First of all, a thorough discussion is conducted regarding the existing pathology and indication for respective management options including surgery. Next, extensive work is conducted to justify the gynecological treatment/surgery. Once all required tests are completed, the patient is provided with the technical details of the surgery and what to expect afterward. Essentially, the minimally invasive approach is discussed, including the precision of the procedure, minimal incisions, smaller blood loss, and shorter post-surgical recovery. Patients have less post-operative pain due to the nature of the smaller incisions, less pressure on the tissue, and usually a shorter duration of the procedure. 

Q: Some women may be embarrassed to ask you questions. How do you alleviate those concerns? 

A: During the visit, I strive to create a friendly, private, and unbiased environment. Over the years, I developed experience to let the patient know their concerns are common and nothing to be ashamed about. For example, I use the phrase, “Many women feel this way or have similar concerns or conditions, which is completely understandable.” I also keep calm and have a professional demeanor to avoid any signs of surprise or discomfort. All visits are conducted in a private environment to give patients privacy (e.g. closing doors, using curtains, speaking in a calm tone). Also, I give the patients control over the extent of discussions when possible, by asking, “Would you prefer to discuss this in more detail?” or just giving guidance on the next steps. 

Q: Explain your background with robotic-assisted surgery 

A: I started performing robotic surgeries many years ago. First, I obtained certification to be able to perform surgeries using the da Vinci system. I then performed surgeries for multiple gynecological conditions, including heavy menses, uterine fibroids, pelvic pain, endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, and ovarian cysts. To address patients’ gynecological conditions, I have performed hysterectomies, myomectomies (removal of uterine fibroids), resection of ovarian cysts, resection of endometriotic lesions, resection of scar tissue, and suspension of vaginal cuff following a hysterectomy. 

Q: What was the first gynecological surgery you completed at LVMC using the da Vinci system? 

A: The first gynecologic procedures performed at Lompoc hospital were hysterectomies with a resection of both fallopian tubes. The following surgery performed was myomectomy, which is a resection of a uterine fibroid. Next planned robotic surgeries include hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and resection of endometriosis. 

Q: Why should women consider undergoing surgery by you via the da Vinci system?  

A: Women should first consider whether they are candidates for a gynecologic surgery and if they have specific indications to undergo the procedure. Once an indication for a surgical approach is made, a discussion is conducted regarding the mode of the surgery including robotic- assisted surgery. Essentially, the procedure is called a “minimally invasive procedure,” where small skin incisions of 5-millimeters are made on the abdomen to accommodate robotic instruments for the surgery. There are multiple instruments available that are designed for a specific procedure. 

Q: As a surgeon, do you prefer using the da Vinci, and why? 

A: I prefer to perform robotic surgery because the platform enables me to operate via a small 5-8 mm incision and thus eliminate large skin incisions. Additional benefits include the ability to have exceptional surgical view as the robot enables a 3-Dimensional and 10-time enhanced view of the surgical field. As a result, the access to the most intricate pelvic and abdominal area is enabled. This is especially valuable to patients with prior surgeries and those having complicated surgical anatomy and pathology.  

Q: What symptoms should prompt a woman to see a gynecologist? 

A: Essentially any symptom which is concerning to the patient, such as irregular and heavy menses, painful menses, pelvic pan, vaginal conditions including discharge, burning sensation or general discomfort in the genital area, and general gynecological maintenance exams (preventive PAP test and Mammogram). 

Q: How often should a woman see a gynecologist and is it age dependent? 

A: A patient should see a gynecologist whenever she has a gynecological condition which is concerning to her, such as irregular and heavy menses, pelvic pain, pressure in the abdomen or pelvis or the impression of something “falling out” of the vaginal area, vaginal conditions including discharge, and burning sensation or general discomfort in the genital area.  With regards to preventative visits, the patient should see a gynecologist every year. The visits include preventative PAP test, referral for mammograms, contraception in reproductive age patients or vasomotor systems in menopausal patients. 

Q: What screening tests are important for women, and why? 

A: The following screening tests are recommended – PAP test, with frequency depending on many factors, such as age, menopausal status and co-morbid conditions such as diabetes and/or hypertension, autoimmune diseases and lifestyle.  

Q: On the OB side of your practice, what should patients know about you and how you treat expectant mothers? 

A: I have provided OB care for many years for women of all ages and obstetrical conditions. Each patient is treated on an individual basis, tailored to their specific needs. Prenatal care starts from the first visit, where all pertinent aspects of the current pregnancy are taken into consideration. Knowledge of prior OB history is essential to be able to provide the most comprehensive care. This includes management of high-risk pregnancies, such as preeclampsia, gestational and pregestational diabetes, hypertension, or multiple pregnancies. Management of high-risk pregnancies is frequently co-managed with a high-risk Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor. Depending on the circumstances, patients are offered a thorough antenatal surveillance to maximize a satisfactory outcome. Occasionally, we need to refer high-risk patients to other facility where the newborn would be provided with more specialized care. 

Q: Why does this specialty of medicine interest you? 

A: From my early age, I committed myself to provide care to women, hence I chose the field of OBGYN. I feel that compassionate, thorough, and professional care can lead to a successful outcome for my patients in both obstetrics and gynecology.  

To make an appointment with Dr. Yvonne Wolny, call Lompoc Health – North Third Center at 805-736-1253.