Interview: Dr. Ryan Dickerson, MD on Advanced Robotic Surgery, Power Morcellation, and His Experience with LapBox®
- Ark Surgical
- 40 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Dr. Ryan Dickerson, MD is a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist with more than 20 years of clinical experience in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
A diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Dickerson specializes in advanced robotic gynecologic surgery, particularly in the management of uterine fibroids and minimally invasive procedures.
He is affiliated with Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge and has performed a high volume of minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries throughout his career.
We spoke with Dr. Dickerson about the evolution of specimen removal in minimally invasive surgery and his experience using LapBox® in daily practice.
Q: Can you tell us about your background and your surgical focus?
Dr. Dickerson: I am a board-certified OB-GYN and have been in private practice in Baton Rouge for over 20 years. Over time, I developed a strong interest in advanced robotic gynecologic surgery, particularly for fibroids.
I trained in radiofrequency ablation and robotic myomectomy and began focusing more heavily on complex minimally invasive cases. One of the biggest challenges in these procedures is tissue removal. When you remove a large fibroid or an enlarged uterus through small incisions, you still need a safe and effective way to extract that tissue.
That challenge led me to explore containment systems more seriously.
Q: What led you to LapBox®?
Dr. Dickerson: As I moved deeper into advanced minimally invasive surgery, I realized I needed a containment system that I could trust. I had experience with another system previously, but it did not fully meet my needs. I did not feel it was thick enough, and I did not have complete confidence in it.
I have always preferred power morcellation when appropriate. When I was introduced to LapBox®, what immediately stood out was that it was sturdy, large enough to handle most specimens, and compatible with power morcellation.
That combination was very appealing.
Q: What was your initial experience using LapBox®?
Dr. Dickerson: In my first few cases, I used LapBox® with guidance and quickly realized how intuitive it is. It is simple to deploy and gives me confidence that I am able to safely contain and remove tissue without leaving anything behind.
Being able to power morcellate within the bag safely and efficiently is extremely important. It allows me to maintain a minimally invasive approach even in larger or more complex cases.
It complements what I need in advanced robotic gynecologic surgery.
Q: In which procedures do you find LapBox® most beneficial?
Dr. Dickerson: It is particularly beneficial in larger uteri that must be removed abdominally but through a minimally invasive approach, as well as in robotic myomectomies involving large fibroids.
The goal for women is always the same: smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery, and a quicker return to normal activity. A reliable containment system makes that possible even in challenging cases.
Q: How has your experience with power morcellation evolved over time?
Dr. Dickerson: Earlier in my career, I used power morcellation frequently. Then it became largely unavailable for many years, which significantly limited options. We relied more heavily on manual morcellation, which is slower, more physically demanding, and less efficient.
When I discovered there was an FDA-cleared option for power morcellation within a containment system like LapBox®, I was eager to learn and adopt it. Power morcellation remains my preferred method of removing large specimens when appropriate, and having a safe containment solution makes that possible again.
For surgeons who prefer power morcellation, LapBox® provides a strong option.
Q: Have you seen benefits beyond the surgical technique itself?
Dr. Dickerson: Yes, and that was somewhat unexpected. LapBox® has improved not only efficiency in my cases but also workflow in the operating room.
LapBox® has helped reduce operative time and improved ergonomics for me as the surgeon. But just as importantly, my operating room staff appreciates it. My scrub tech and nurses find it straightforward and helpful in maintaining efficiency.
That team-wide impact was an important realization for me. It improves the experience for everyone in the room.
Q: Are there specific features that stand out?
Dr. Dickerson: The double-wall construction is a significant safety feature. It adds confidence when performing power morcellation.
When inflated, the bag becomes more rigid and maintains its shape. That rigidity makes it easier to deploy and position beneath the specimen. The coliseum-style opening allows you to effectively scoop and secure the tissue, simplifying the process.
Overall, the combination of safety, size, rigidity, and compatibility with power morcellation makes it a valuable tool in advanced minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
