Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Procedures
Larposcopic Surgeries
Laparoscopy, a surgical technique where a small camera, usually between 5 and 10 mm (less than ½ inch), is inserted into a patient's abdomen for the purpose of the isualization of the pelvic and abdominal anatomy, diagnosis of a disease condition, and treatment of such condition by a minimally invasive approach. Several small incisions less than ¼ inch) are made in the bikini line for the introduction of laparoscopic instruments, such as laparoscopic scissors, scalpel, etc.
Multiple gynecologic procedures and surgeries that are routinely done by an open technique can be potentially done by laparoscope, including:
- Removal of the uterus (laparoscopic hysterectomy)
- Removal of the fibroids (laparoscopic myomectomy)
- Surgical treatment of ovarian cysts (laparoscopic cystectomy)
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Treatment of endometriosis and pelvic pain (laparoscopic presacralneurectomy)
Robotic Surgery
One of the current tools in the arsenal of minimally invasive surgery is a computer-enhanced technology or robotics. Originally designed and tested by NASA and military for the on-the-filed remote surgery, today's robotic system has been through several stages.
In gynecology, robotic surgeries performed include
- Robotic Hysterectomy
- Robotic Myomectomy
Hysteroscopic Surgery
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your uterus in order to diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding. Hysteroscopy is done using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube that is inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and inside of the uterus. Hysteroscopy can be either diagnostic or operative..
Diagnostic hysteroscopy allows the visualization of the inside of the uterus and diagnosis of such common conditions as fibroids, uterine polyps, uterine septum, etc.
Operative hysteroscopy is usually done in the operative room under general anesthesia. This procedure is reserved for patients with known intrauterine pathology such as previously diagnosed fibroids that may cause bleeding and infertility, uterine polyps, uterine septum, blocked Fallopian tubes, etc.