Minimally Invasive Surgery/Robotic Surgery

In simple terms, minimally invasive surgery is an operation that is performed using small incisions. Minimally invasive surgery is often called “Laparoscopic Surgery.”  It can be performed using a robotic technique which helps the surgeon be more precise.  You can learn more about Robotic Surgery at www.davincisurgery.com. The surgeon makes small incisions and through these incisions a camera is inserted.  The surgical instruments are also inserted through these incisions.  Our surgeons can perform gynecologic surgery through small incisions that require only one to two stitches to close.

The benefits to minimally invasive surgery are the following:

• Minimize pain
• Speed up recovery
• Decrease hospital stay
• Decrease blood loss during surgery
• Eliminate other potential complications during open surgery

Our surgeons operate using three to five small, dime size incisions. The entire surgery is performed through trocars (thin tubes). After the trocars are inserted, carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdomen and create a working space between the internal organs and the skin. A camera is placed through one of the trocars so that we can view the procedure from video monitors in the operating room. The image on the video monitors is magnified, which provides better visibility for the surgeon. Specialized instruments are placed through the other trocars to perform the operation.

Our surgeons are also trained to use the daVinci Robotic System to assist with specific minimally invasive surgeries. The daVinci Robot can be utilized to assist with various gynecologic surgeries, including hysterectomies, lysis of adhesions, uterine fibroid removal, and surgeries for pelvic pain. During your surgical consultation, please ask your doctor if this is the best procedure for you.

Commonly Performed Gynecologic Surgery

• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic/hysteroscopic removal of fibroids
• Laparoscopic removal of benign ovarian cysts
• Laparoscopic treatment of pelvic endometriosis
• Infertility Evaluation

Above, we have an image which illustrates the different kinds of incision that may be used for gynecologic surgery.  The first shows the incision from a typical/traditional open hysterectomy.  This is a larger incision and may take longer to heal.  The next two pictures are an example of the small incisions that are used for Robotic and Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.   These incisions are less painful and heal more quickly.

We can arrange a consultation to evaluate your condition and treatment options.