Gynecologists who are trained in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery specialize in the assessment and treatment of women who have a wide range of noncancerous (benign) gynecologic conditions, including heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia), pelvic pain, irregular menstrual periods (metrorrhagia), endometriosis and ovarian cysts.
Minimally invasive techniques offer many benefits in comparison to the traditional open surgery by avoiding a large abdominal incision. With minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, patients can have:
- Lower risk of infection
- Minimal scarring
- Decreased blood loss and fewer blood transfusions
- Reduced pain post-procedure
- A shorter or no hospital stay
- Quicker return to work and normal daily activities
- Improved quality of life
Conditions Treated with Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Whenever possible, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is recommended, rather than complex, open surgery. Our staff have expertise in minimally invasive techniques to treat a wide range of gynecologic conditions, such as:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Gynecologic cancers (e.g. cervical cancer, endometrial (uterine) cancer and ovarian cancer)
- Heavy bleeding and painful periods
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic adhesions (painful scar tissue)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Uterine fibroids
- Uterine polyps
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Techniques
Our gynecologic surgeons work with the patients to create a customized plan based on their health history, overall health, symptoms and other factors. Approaches to this surgery include:
- Laparoscopy: The surgeon makes three to four small incisions in the pelvic area to insert a laparoscope, a thin tool with a light and camera, and surgical instruments to access the surgical site.
- Vaginal technique: The surgeon accesses the surgical site by making a small incision in the vagina.
- Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal technique: The surgeon accesses the surgical site using both laparoscopy and the vaginal techniques.
- Robot-assisted laparoscopy: The surgeon uses a robotic system to complete surgical tasks with an increased range of motion.
- Single port surgery: The surgeon performs laparoscopy with just one incision into the navel (belly button).
- Hysteroscopy: The surgeon inserts a hysteroscope, a small camera with a light, and instruments through the cervix to access the uterus without incisions.
Minimally invasive techniques have helped transform gynecologic surgery, to help make procedures more efficient, safer, and customized to each individual patient's needs. Advancements continue to be made that may widen the scope of surgery options that can be offered.