Minimally Invasive GYN Procedures

Benign Ovarian Cyst

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the ovary. They are common and, in most cases, benign. They often disappear on their own, but in some instances, we perform a minimally invasive laparoscopy to surgically remove the cyst, making a tiny incision near the navel and then inserting an instrument into the abdomen to remove the cyst.

Cervical Conization/LEEP

These procedures remove abnormal tissue from the surface of the cervix and, if necessary, test the tissue for cancer. Cervical conization, or cold knife cone (CKC) is a surgical biopsy used to diagnose and treat very early cervical cancer. It can be done with a scalpel or laser.  LEEP, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure, is when electricity heats an insulated wire loop that is used to remove the abnormal tissue. Both are minimally invasive.

Dilation And Curettage (D&C)

A D&C is a minor surgical procedure to remove tissue from the uterus. It gets its name from the combination of dilation (opening the cervix) and curette (a thin instrument to scrape the uterine wall and remove tissue).

Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a treatment for excessive menstrual blood loss. The procedure removes a thin layer of tissue (endometrium) that lines the uterus. No incisions are needed. Instead, small tools are inserted into the vagina to reach the uterus.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a procedure allowing the doctor to look inside the uterus to diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding. It is done using a hysteroscope, a lighted tube that is inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and uterus. It can be used to remove polyps, fibroids, and adhesions.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Other reproductive organs may be removed at the same time. Common reasons to have one include heavy periods, pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fibroids, adenomyosis, uterus prolapse, or cancer.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus. A few small incisions are made in the abdomen, one of which has a tiny camera inserted. The doctor watches the image while performing the surgery. The uterus is removed in small pieces through the incisions. There is less scarring, less post-operative pain, and shorter recovery time.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

Also, a minimally invasive procedure, the uterus is removed through the vagina. There is faster recovery vs. an abdominal hysterectomy, which requires an incision in the lower abdomen.

Imperforate Hymen/Septum Removal

With an imperforate hymen, a thin membrane blocks access to the vagina. It can be surgically removed in infancy or, if discovered during puberty, easily corrected at that time. With septum removal, this is necessary when the septum tissue completely divides the uterus in half. Surgical removal is needed if pregnancy is desired since sperm can be blocked from reaching the ovaries. Both surgeries are performed laparoscopically without need for abdominal incisions.

Lesion Removal – Vulva

The vulva, or external part of the female genitalia, can develop lesions because of STDs, fungal or viral or bacterial infections, inflammatory diseases, or trauma. Sometimes lesions lead to complications and need to be removed through surgery.

Uterine Fibroids Surgery/Myomectomy

A myomectomy is a laparoscopic surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids while leaving healthy tissue in the uterus. It is performed on those wanting to have children in the future because it preserves the uterus. If fibroids are very large, an abdominal myomectomy may be needed.