About Rocky Mountain Gynecologic Oncology

Advanced, comprehensive care from trusted experts.

Long-distance patients

Many of our patients travel from out-of-state to receive treatment, at the referral of their providers. With the most cutting-edge surgical interventions, more specialized experience and top-notch outcomes, it’s easy to see why. Learn more about our services for traveling patients.

Support programming

We provide comprehensive treatment for gynecologic cancers, which includes nurse navigators; survivorship resources; dietitians, counseling; access to Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute clinical trials; close relationship with Oncology Rehab. Learn more about our support programming.

Treatment options

Our surgical options are aggressive with cancer, while being safer and gentler on your body. With the aid of the surgical robot and other minimally invasive techniques, our team provides advanced treatments that are designed to minimize the impact of treatment on your body.

To schedule an appointment with one of our gynecologic oncologists, please call (303) 781-9090.

Many women are aware of cervical cancer because of the prevalence of a popular screening tool—the PAP (Papanicolaou) smear. This tool for early detection has allowed us to determine the presence of pre-cancer and/or early stages of cancer, which increases treatment’s efficacy.

Women with pre-cancer of the cervix may undergo ablation. This procedure destroys the tissue with extremely cold temperatures or with the use of a high-energy laser. Another option for pre-cancer treatment is excisional surgery. This procedure is performed to remove the tissue before it develops into cancer.

Dr. Staley is truly one of the best doctors I have ever met. She is so knowledgeable as well as kind and caring – D.G.

For women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, our team will work closely with you to determine the best treatment options for the specifics of your condition, your age, your lifestyle and your desire to conceive.

Surgeries we provide for cervical cancer include:

  • Simple hysterectomy: The uterus and cervix are surgically removed. Many times, the ovaries are left in place and the vagina and pelvic lymph nodes are not removed.
  • Radical hysterectomy and modified radical hysterectomy: The uterus, the tissue next to the uterus, the cervix and the upper part of the vagina are removed. In a modified radical hysterectomy, less of the vagina and tissue next to the uterus are removed.
  • Trachelectomy: This procedure is performed to preserve a woman’s ability to bear children. In this procedure, the cervix and upper part of the vagina are removed, but the uterus remains. A stitch is placed inside the uterus to keep the opening close, in the manner that the cervix would. Women who become pregnant after a trachelectomy may be able to carry a healthy baby to term and deliver by Cesarean section.
  • Pelvic exenteration: For cases of recurrent cervical cancer, this procedure may be performed. The uterus, the tissue next to the uterus, the cervix and the upper part of the vagina are removed surgically. In addition, the bladder, vagina, rectum and part of the colon are also removed.
Robotic treatment options

Whenever possible, our team is skilled in using minimally invasive techniques and technology to minimize the impact of the surgery on your body. This includes the use of the surgical robot. We perform these procedures at the Surgical Robotics Institute at Swedish Medical Center, a specialized unit of the hospital dedicated to caring for patients undergoing robotic procedures.

Robotic surgery provides surgeons with enhanced vision, more dexterity and reduces the impact of surgery on the body. Performed through tiny incisions, these procedures often result in less blood loss and transfusions, less pain, less risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, faster recoveries and a quicker return to normal activity.

Ovarian cancer affects more than 20,000 women each year. While the condition has a reputation of being difficult to diagnose early, new understanding of the cancer and advanced treatment options are allowing women to overcome this type of gynecologic cancer.

If you have received an ovarian cancer diagnosis, rest assured our team is equipped to help you take charge and return to good health. We begin by working closely with you to determine the best course of treatment. We consider your age, desire to conceive, and how far the cancer has progressed when creating a treatment plan. Most often, treatment includes surgery to both accurately diagnose and treat ovarian cancer.

Dr. Schmitz exudes confidence and her extensive training, education, board certifications and wisdom gained by years of experience and her lovely, easy-going manner gave me the confidence I needed to move aggressively ahead with my treatment. -B.W.

Robotic gynecologic oncology procedures

Many women will have a hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy— these procedures surgically remove the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Some women may be eligible for a partial hysterectomy (removing only part of the uterus) and/or a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removing just one ovary and fallopian tube). You also may require an omentectomy (removing the layer of tissue covering stomach and large intestine) and/or a lymph node dissection (removing some of the lymph nodes of the pelvis and abdomen), depending upon the progression of the cancer.

Our surgeons have been performing these procedures for decades and are highly experienced with the most minimally invasive techniques and technology. Many times, patients are eligible for these procedures to be performed with the aid of the surgical robot. We perform these procedures at the Surgical Robotics Institute at Swedish Medical Center, a specialized unit of the hospital dedicated to caring for patients undergoing robotic procedures.

Robotic surgery provides surgeons with enhanced vision, more dexterity and reduces the impact of surgery on the body. Performed through tiny incisions, these procedures often result in less blood loss and transfusions, less pain, less risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, faster recoveries and a quicker return to normal activity.

Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women (behind breast, lung and colon cancers), and is the most common type of gynecologic cancer. Also called endometrial cancer, this condition typically develops after menopause when a woman is between the ages of 50 and 60.

We know a diagnosis of uterine cancer can be overwhelming. That’s why our team spends time with you to be sure you understand your condition and treatment options. Along with other experts from the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Swedish Medical Center, we create a treatment plan that is specifically designed for your needs and health goals.

Treatment often includes surgery from our team as well as radiation, hormone therapy and/or chemotherapy.

Even before my head stopped spinning from the cancer diagnosis, (10 days) it was removed. The procedure (robotic) was efficient and painless, no narcotics needed. – Jessica

Robotic hysterectomy

Most often, a hysterectomy is recommended for women facing uterine cancer. This procedure is performed to surgically remove the uterus and any cancerous cells contained in it. The hysterectomy is typically coupled with a salpingo-oophorectomy— removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Our surgeons have been performing these procedures for decades and are highly experienced with the most minimally invasive techniques and technology. Many times, uterine cancer patients are eligible for these procedures to be performed with the aid of the surgical robot. We perform these procedures at the Surgical Robotics Institute at Swedish Medical Center, a specialized unit of the hospital dedicated to caring for patients undergoing robotic procedures.

Robotic surgery provides surgeons with enhanced vision, more dexterity and reduces the impact of surgery on the body. Performed through tiny incisions, these procedures often result in less blood loss and transfusions, less pain, less risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, faster recoveries and a quicker return to normal activity.

Vaginal cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the vagina. The most common type of vaginal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the vaginal lining. To begin treatment, we meet with you and learn about your condition, your lifestyle and your preferences. Then, together, we create a treatment plan that is the most effective but least invasive possible.

Some women may have a pre-cancerous change in the cells of the vagina. This is called vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN). If you have this condition, it may be treated with topical therapy, laser treatment, radiation or surgery to remove the abnormality.

If the condition has progressed beyond pre-cancer, treatment typically includes surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

Surgeries we provide include:

  • Simple vaginectomy: This surgery removes the affected portion of the vagina.
  • Radical vaginectomy: In this surgery, the entire vagina and surrounding tissue are removed.
  • Vaginal reconstruction: After a vaginectomy, muscle and skin may be taken from the abdomen and/or inner thigh to reconstruct the vagina. This allows the woman to have vaginal intercourse in the future.
Robotic treatment options

Whenever possible, our team is skilled in using minimally invasive techniques and technology to minimize the impact of the surgery on your body. This includes the use of the surgical robot. We perform these procedures at the Surgical Robotics Institute at Swedish Medical Center, a specialized unit of the hospital dedicated to caring for patients undergoing robotic procedures.

Robotic surgery provides surgeons with enhanced vision, more dexterity and reduces the impact of surgery on the body. Performed through tiny incisions, these procedures often result in less blood loss and transfusions, less pain, less risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, faster recoveries and a quicker return to normal activity.

This cancer forms on the outer surface area of the female genitals. This type of gynecologic cancer is more rare than others, but because of our team’s unique area of specialization, we are experienced in treating this cancer.

You may be referred to our team after a diagnosis of pre-cancer or cancer. We begin by meeting with you to learn about your health needs, lifestyle and other factors that may influence your treatment. Then, we work with you to create a treatment plan that is designed just for you. Often, treatment includes surgery with our team, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

I'm forever grateful for the standard of care (their standard is going above and beyond). Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. -C.L.

Surgery typically is part of the treatment plan for vulvar cancer. Your quality of life and future sexuality are considered when determining a treatment plan and we always perform the most effective, least invasive treatments possible. Our treatments include laser surgery (burn off the skin containing abnormal cells), excision (removing the cancer and a small portion of healthy skin around it) and forms of vulvectomy.

Vulvectomy is a surgery to remove all or part of the vulva. Skinning vulvectomy removes only the top layer of skin. A simple vulvectomy removes the entire vulva as well as tissue just under the skin. A partial vulvectomy removes part of the vulva including deep tissue. A complete vulvectomy removes the vulva and deep tissues.

Often, a vulvectomy is performed with a vulvar reconstruction. If necessary, we will help you work with a reconstructive surgeon to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In addition to telehealth services available for patients, regardless of their locations, our office also has special programming available for patients who are traveling from out of town. Many of our patients come from other states and regions at the referral of their providers or through their own research. For these patients, we provide back-to-back consultations, which allow us to schedule all necessary appointments in sequence to maximize your time in town. To learn more about services and support for out-of-town patients, give us a call at (303) 781-9090.

Cancer treatment doesn’t begin or end in an operating room or with a course of chemotherapy, it is ongoing and requires support in many areas of life.

Nurse navigators

Our patients benefit from nurse navigators, specially trained members of our team who can help schedule appointments, answer questions, provide resources and serve as an overall ‘go-to’ person for your cancer journey.

Dietitians and nutrition counseling

Nutrition can play a vital role in your cancer treatment. Our patients have access to dietitians to help support their bodies before, during and after treatment. Services are offered at no additional fee and are available to begin at any stage of treatment.

Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute clinical trials

Rocky Mountain Gynecologic Oncology is a part of Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Swedish Medical Center. Sarah Cannon, the cancer institute of HCA Healthcare, is an international leader in cancer care. Because of this relationship, our patients have access to clinical trials provided by Sarah Cannon. Ask your provider to learn more about these opportunities.

Oncology Rehab

We are proud partners with Oncology Rehab, a local center that provides physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy to patients in all phases of their cancer treatments. Learn more about Oncology Rehab.

Swedish Medical Center
701 E. Hampden Ave., Suite 210
Englewood, CO 80113
Phone: (303) 781-9090
Hours: We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm.
Parking: Complimentary valet parking is available in front of our building at 701/799 E. Hampden Ave. Monday through Friday: 7:30am to 5:00pm.

Rose Medical Center
4700 Hale Pkwy
Suite 340
Denver, CO 80220
Phone: (303) 781-9090
Hours: Vary – please call the office to schedule an appointment