Center for Gynecology & Women’s Health
Medical science has worked steadily to make surgery easier to undergo, and in recent decades has achieved significant strides
in this effort. This is certainly true for gynecologic surgery.
Newer, less-invasive forms of surgery can get you feeling better sooner – with less recovery time, less time in the hospital,
less scarring, and less pain, when compared to conventional surgery. While the Center for Women’s Health & Gynecology provides traditional, open surgery as well, we have increasingly been able
to offer out patients minimally invasive procedures based on use of the latest in endoscopic equipment.
Endoscopes are long, tube-like instruments introduced through small cuts in the skin. These tools include a small video camera and light – permitting the surgeon to see inside the body – as well as surgical instruments
used to resect or manipulate tissue. This approach gives the same benefits as conventional surgery but causes less trauma to surrounding and surface tissues, and
thus permits faster healing and faster return to normal activities.
Because minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions through the skin and less manipulation of nearby tissue, the procedures
are less disruptive to the body. As a result, patients have less postoperative discomfort, and pain generally resolves itself more quickly than with conventional
surgery.
Open surgery can also leave patients with large, unsightly scars. But our specialists can perform minimally invasive procedures typically through two or three incisions that are less than
an inch in length. Most people will not notice the marks left by these incisions.
This safe and established approach, in use for more than a decade now, has benefited tens of millions of Americans treated
in various specialty areas. Surgeons use this strategy for conditions where they can achieve surgical outcomes that are at least equivalent to that from
conventional surgery but with all the benefits of a minimally invasive approach.
Gynecologic surgeons can use hysteroscopy, which involves no incisions at all, to perform a number of surgical interventions, including removing growths (such as polyps or uterine fibroids. Laparoscopy is the form of endoscopy-guided interventions used most commonly in gynecologic surgery. A laparoscope is a type of endoscope used for pelvic surgery. Laparoscopy requires several very small incisions in the abdomen.
Laparoscopic surgery that our group offers includes procedures for:
• removal of endometrial tissue or ovarian cysts;
• hysterectomy;
• and pelvic floor and urodynamic interventions.
Through training, study, and daily application, the specialists in our surgical group are constantly honing their skills and
techniques in laparoscopic surgery, in order to provide patients with the best possible experience and results from minimally
invasive procedures.
Of course, minimally invasive surgery is not always the right option. For some patients it is not an appropriate choice. In recommending conventional or minimally invasive surgery, your surgeon will consider a variety of factors. In addition, sometimes a procedure may start out as minimally invasive but have to be converted to conventional surgery during
the operation. Factors influencing these decisions, include:
• obesity;
• history of prior abdominal surgery causing dense scar tissue;
• access to organs;
• bleeding problems during the operation;
• and underlying medical conditions.
You should discuss the best approach to your surgery with your surgeon.
Certain types of complications are more likely with conventional surgery, such as muscle injury or herniation through the
site of the incision; however, all surgical procedures have risks. You should ask your doctor about the various risk that comes with the type of surgery you need. The risk of complications depends on a variety of complex factors related to the patient’s condition, the specific surgery
performed, and many other variables.
Minimally invasive procedures give patients a newer option in surgery; get them home quicker; help return them to normal activities
of work, family, and other obligations and pastimes faster; and save on healthcare costs. This more-recent method of delivering surgery also enhances overall clinical care, as well as its value and cost effectiveness
– and, in some cases, improves individual outcomes.
The Center for Gynecology & Women’s Health has a broad focus and specialization in minimally invasive procedures:
• We can determine if a minimally invasive approach is right for you.
• We can explain benefits of endoscopy-based procedures and operations, and inform you of the risks.
• We have treated many patients with this approach and we can give you data on the number of times we have performed the procedure
that you are considering.
• Our experienced staff surgeons personally perform all of the procedures.
• You will know your likely length of stay in the hospital, if any, and the length of time to typically recover and resume
or return to school, work, exercise, sexual activity, social activities, and recreation.
• We have a staff dedicated to minimally invasive surgery that prides itself in its training and success in this approach.
