Every year thousands of women in American are diagnosed with gynecological issues such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic organ prolapse etc. Normally open surgery would be required to treat any of the conditions mentioned above, but with the advancements in the medical field, there are no other options available such as minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. These types of surgeries usually involve the insertion of a small lighted digital camera attached to a telescope along with a number of small surgical tools via abdominal/cervix to view the pelvic anatomy or into the uterine cavity1. This camera transmits a live feed that is displayed on large monitors. With the help of this feed, the doctor can then perform complex surgeries with very little trauma to the patient2. Before you opt for open surgery to resolve a gynecological problem, you should speak to your doctor about your eligibility for a minimally invasive procedure. If you think you may need surgery in the future or are looking for a second opinion, visit 67th Street OB/GYN- Total Women’s Health Care to speak to one of our gynecologists in Manhattan today. Below is a list of advantages to having minimally invasive gynecologic surgery over open surgery.
- Lower risk of complications associated with open surgery
- Very little scarring as compared to open surgery
- Lower risk of infection
- Less pain after a procedure
- Less blood transfusion needed due to lower blood loss1
- Zero to little hospital stay
- Quick recovery time and return to regular daily activity
The procedure may be performed in the examination room or a surgical suite and usually requires very little recovery time. The advantages associated with these surgical procedures are the main reason more doctors are advising their patients to choose this procedure instead.
The different types of minimally invasive procedures available
There are different types of procedures available, each more effective in viewing or treating a specific condition. Based on your condition and location requiring treatment your doctor would decide which on one of the procedures below.
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery: With this procedure, the camera is passed through a small incision below the navel and the entire pelvic anatomy can be viewed. Less recovery time is needed with this procedure3.
Robotic Surgery: This procedure is similar to the advanced laparoscopic surgery, and also has the same advantages. However, more precision is achieved here due to the implementation of the da Vinci surgical system2. With this method, there is greater accuracy and more complex surgeries can be performed with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue.
Vaginal: Of all the procedures available, this is the least invasive and comes with the same advantages as advanced laparoscopic surgery. However, no incision is required here and has one of the lowest recovery time.
Hysteroscopic Surgery: Here the camera passes through the cervix into the uterine cavity and there is no need for an incision. The recovery time for this procedure is also very short.
If you are thinking about minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and wondering why your doctor has not discussed the option with you yet, then schedule an appointment at one of our locations to see one of all OB/GYNS in Manhattan today for a second opinion. Have your case viewed by a specialist in these procedures and get an expert opinion on whether you qualify.