Dr. Wheeler was one of the first doctors at Hoag Hospital and in Orange County to perform robotic assisted hysterectomies using the DaVinci system.  Hoag Hospital has three DaVinci robots making it one of the premier surgical centers in Southern California for advanced minimally invasive surgery.  Dr. Wheeler was the first to perform a laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy at Hoag Hospital in 2002 and one of the first to perform laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomies in 1992 when he first entered Hoag in private practice.  By the employment of the newer technologies, Dr. Wheeler has been able to achieve greater than 80% success in performing all hysterectomies through laparoscopic and minimally invasive techniques.  These minimally invasive techniques significantly reduce pain, recovery and post-operative complications as well as hospital stays.  Currently, greater than 70% of all hysterectomies nationwide are non-minimally invasive surgical techniques employing abdominal incisions.   This incurs greater pain postoperatively, slower recovery, slower discharge from the hospital and delayed return to work.  Dr. Wheeler was the first to perform an outpatient laparoscopic hysterectomy and discharged his patient only hours after the procedure was completed.  Patient satisfaction rates have been extremely high with these procedures. 

Dr. Wheeler will review all possible treatment options with the patient covering a wide variety of conditions including uterine fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, adenomyosis, chronic pelvic pain, ovarian cysts or tumors prior to offering hysterectomy to his patient’s.  He has given numerous lectures in the community regarding surgical options to hysterectomy.   Many times, hysterectomy is the best option for these patients and if agreed upon, will almost always be performed through a minimally invasive approach. 

Dr. Wheeler’s comprehensive preoperative and postoperative management system allows the patients a seamless transition through this sometimes arduous and frightening process of undergoing hysterectomy.   Most patients will not require hormone therapy as ovaries will always be left in place unless removal is absolutely indicated.  Patients should not experience significant symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, vaginal dryness or any change in sexual activity.  In fact, a recent ten year study performed by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology showed that sexual activity was improved following hysterectomy if the hysterectomy was done for proper indications.  Dr. Wheeler will also offer second opinions in consultation.