The Gynecologist

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: Pursuing a gentler path

Minimally invasive surgery includes a diverse and varied set of techniques which differ from traditional “open” surgery.  When open surgery occurs in the abdomen, it is performed through an incision called a  laparotomy.  Put simply, the goal of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is to avoid unnecessary laparotomy.

Avoiding large incisions allows a surgeon to offer patients a faster recovery, decreased pain from surgical incisions, a more rapid return of bowel function, and decreased risk of certain types of complications.  Patients usually go home the same day or stay in the hospital only one night.

There are several common techniques used in minimally invasive surgery.  These include the use of laparoscopy (aka bandaid surgery, keyhole surgery, or pinhole surgery) and mini-laparotomy.

Laparoscopy is a type of sugery in which a camera is attached to a thin instrument (the laparoscope) which can be inserted into the abdomen through a very small incision.  This allows the surgeon to see the entire abdominal cavity without creating a large incision.  Additional small incisions may be made so that thin surgical instruments can be inserted into the abdominal cavity. 

Many types of surgery can be performed in this manner, including certain types of hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), removal of fibroids and ovarian cysts, treatment of endometriosis, and treatment of other kinds of gynecologic disorders.

Mini-Laparotomy is sometimes combined with laparoscopy to allow a much smaller abdominal incision in certain types of surgery which would otherwise have to be done by laparotomy.

When you need surgery, it is important to have a discussion with your doctor about how your recovery can be optimized.  Minimally-invasive surgery could be the best option for you.

May 9, 2010 at 8:02 pm 5 comments