Minimally Invasive Surgical Program
During a woman’s lifetime, she might face a reproductive problem that requires evaluation and possible surgery. Some gynecologic conditions that may require surgery are endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, abnormal bleeding, intrauterine scarring, damaged fallopian tubes, pelvic pain or abnormal development of the reproductive tract.
Minimally invasive and robotic surgery have transformed the field of surgery, radically reducing trauma and recovery. In this approach, small skin incisions (less than an inch in size) and specialized tools are used.
Our Services
Our program utilizes the following methods for women’s reproductive conditions requiring surgery:
- Hysteroscopy. A small, narrow telescope (a hysteroscope) allows for visualization of the inside of the uterine cavity without incisions. This is often performed when evaluating abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Laparoscopy. A small telescope inserted through small abdominal skin incisions is used to evaluate the pelvic anatomy (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, etc.). The laparoscope (camera) sends live pictures to a video monitor, which allows the surgeon to see the anatomy and perform complex surgeries with minimal trauma to the patient.
- Robotics. Robotic surgery was approved for gynecological conditions in 2005 and has since opened up the option of minimally invasive surgery for women who otherwise would not have been eligible for vaginal surgery or traditional laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons are trained in using the daVinci Robot for select laparoscopic surgeries.
"Open" surgery, or surgery performed through traditional large incisions (similar to a cesarean section), is associated with longer hospitalizations, increased pain, increased surgical risk, and longer postoperative recovery times. With a surgery performed using a minimally invasive approach, patients are often able to go home on the day of surgery or the next morning with less postoperative pain.
