About Conditions and Treatments
Many gynecologic conditions that have been traditionally treated with open surgery through a large incision are now being treated with minimally invasive surgery. The benefits of a less invasive approach include smaller incisions, lower levels of pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to activities of daily living.
While not all cases are best approached in this manner, your care team will work with you to determine if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery.
Conditions often treated with minimally-invasive surgery include:
Treatments
We strive to provide a safer and more effective alternative to traditional open surgery by performing the vast majority of our procedures via laparoscopy or hysteroscopy.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the uterus. The hysteroscope is a thin instrument with a camera lens and a light source that is gently placed into the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterus under direct visualization. Once through the cervix, the camera can view the entire uterine cavity and evaluate any potential abnormalities.
There are some hysteroscopic procedures that can be performed in the office. During the procedure, you can watch the surgeon’s progress on the TV monitor, if you wish.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to access the inside of the abdomen and pelvis without having to make large incisions. During this procedure, a laparoscope consisting of a long lens with a small video camera and light source is inserted into the belly, and the picture from the laparoscope is transmitted to a television monitor.
Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopy
Robotic surgery is another minimally invasive approach to certain procedures. In robotic surgery, we make a few small incisions, similar to traditional laparoscopy. The robot and its instruments feature a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and special, wristed instruments that offer the improved range of motion and surgical precision.
Other Complex Procedures
Additional, complex procedures we offer include:
- Hysteroscopic and laparoscopic or robotic isthmocele repairs (uterine defect repairs)
- Hysteroscopic uterine septum revisions (uterine septum repair)
- Hysteroscopic, laparoscopic and robotic myomectomies (removal of fibroids)
- Laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies (removal of uterus)
- Robotic tubal reanastamoses (reversal of tubal sterilization)
Center for Endometriosis and Complex Pelvic Pain
The experts at BIDMC’s Center for Endometriosis and Complex Pelvic Pain within the Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspected or known endometriosis to help alleviate painful symptoms and manage long-term health.
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