Minimally Invasive Surgery Q & A

 

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive gynecological surgery involves techniques associated with less pain and shorter recovery times than traditional surgeries. The gynecologists at Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center are trained in minimally invasive procedures that evaluate and treat women with non-cancerous conditions, such as:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Irregular periods

• Endometriosis

• Fibroids

• Ovarian cysts

• Pelvic pain

• Ectopic pregnancy

• Urinary incontinence

• Uterine prolapse

• Sterilization

Examples of minimally invasive sterilization procedures include laparoscopic hysterectomies and laparoscopic tubal ligation, or having your tubes tied to prevent pregnancy. Your practitioner completes minimally invasive surgical care either in-office or at an outpatient surgical site.

 

What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?

The benefits of minimally invasive gynecological procedures vs. traditional surgeries include:

• Smaller incisions

• Reduced blood loss

• Less pain after the procedure

• Few complications

• Less scarring

• Shorter hospital stays

• Faster recovery

• Lower costs

After minimally invasive gynecological surgery, you’ll likely go home the same day or the next morning.

 

What are examples of minimally invasive procedures?

The minimally invasive surgery that’s right for you depends on your symptoms and which gynecological condition you have. Your doctor creates an individualized treatment plan just for you that may involve:

 

Laparoscopic surgery

During laparoscopic surgery, your gynecologist makes a small incision and inserts a thin, lighted tube with a camera attached to it into your pelvic area. The camera takes pictures during the procedure, allowing your surgeon to operate on pelvic organs without large incisions.

 

Hysteroscopic surgery

During hysteroscopic surgery, your gynecologist inserts a hysteroscope containing a thin lighted tube into your vagina to examine your cervix and uterus and diagnose a gynecological condition or treat it.

 

Robotic surgery

Your surgeon uses robotic surgery to increase precision and accuracy as well as to minimize tissue trauma during the procedure. She performs surgery using an innovative surgical system containing robotic arms. Like laparoscopic surgery, incisions are small, and recovery time is faster after robotic surgery vs. traditional surgeries.

 

Vaginal surgery

Vaginal surgery is one of the most minimally invasive approaches to gynecological surgery and allows your surgeon to avoid abdominal incisions altogether.

 

What should I expect during the procedure?

Your gynecologist lets you know what to expect during minimally invasive gynecological surgery based on your condition and which procedure you require. You’ll be given a sedative and local anesthesia, or light general anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain. You can go home the same day or the day after surgery.

If you have heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, another gynecological condition, or desire permanent birth control, call Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center to schedule an appointment, or use the online scheduler today.