Minimally Invasive Surgery Specialist

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery uses less invasive techniques for treating gynecological conditions compared with traditional surgery. These techniques require only a few small incisions or no incisions, instead of a large incision done during traditional surgery. This type of surgery can sometimes be performed on an outpatient basis. If you have to go to the hospital, the stay is short, only one or two nights.

Some examples of procedures that can be done with minimally invasive surgery are:

• Cancer staging
• Hysterectomy
• Myomectomy
• Treatment of endometriosis
• Pelvic organ prolapse repair
• Cancer treatment
• Tubal ligation

What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?

Because minimally invasive surgery does not involve making large incisions like traditional surgery, risks are typically much less, and the procedure is safer than traditional surgery. Some other benefits include:

• Less blood loss
• Less pain
• Less risk of infection and other complications
• Reduced scar tissue
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery and return to daily activities

What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive surgery?

Currently, many conditions can be treated with minimally invasive surgery, and this approach is used whenever possible. Some conditions that can be treated using minimally invasive surgery include:

• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Gynecologic cancers
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Heavy bleeding
• Painful periods or pelvic pain
• Pelvic adhesions
• Postmenopausal bleeding

Depending on the condition being treated, your doctor will decide which type of minimally invasive surgery will be best. A common type of minimally invasive surgery that’s performed is called a laparoscopy. With this type of procedure, 3-4 small incisions are made, and a narrow tube with a lighted camera, or laparoscope, is inserted.

Sometimes, the doctor will use robot-assisted laparoscopy that provides a magnified, 3D image of the surgical site.

If you have a gynecologic condition and are interested in finding out if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery, call our office today or schedule an appointment online.