How does minimally invasive surgery work?
Minimally invasive surgery techniques such as laparoscopy use advanced technologies and special instruments to allow a surgeon to see the anatomy in high-definition detail and to reach the surgical site through small openings. These techniques eliminate the need for large incisions and cutting of muscle and other tissue as required in traditional open surgery.
In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon inserts a laparoscope -- a long, thin tube with a light and camera at the end -- through a keyhole-sized incision. The camera becomes the surgeon’s eyes, transmitting an image of your body cavity to a monitor. The surgeon then operates using instruments inserted through small incisions.
Surgeries that may be performed using a minimally invasive technique include:
Who is a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery?
After a thorough examination and diagnosis, the doctor will discuss your surgical options with you. Many factors are considered and may vary depending on the type of condition and surgery. They can include:
- Size of the part of the pelvic region being treated
- Medical history
- Body size
Benefits of minimally invasive surgery
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery offers many benefits for women. Some of these benefits are:
- Fewer complications
- Less pain
- Minimized blood loss and need for transfusion
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker recovery and return to normal activities
What conditions can minimally invasive surgery treat?
By overcoming the limitations of traditional open surgery, our surgeons can offer safer gynecologic surgery with faster recovery. Some of the conditions we treat with minimally invasive surgery include: