Minimally Invasive OB/Gyn Procedures

Obstetric and Gynecological Minimally Invasive Surgeries

Physicians at Baptist Medical Center may use minimally invasive techniques for a number of Obstetric and Gynecological surgeries to treat a range of conditions.

Excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)

A minimally-invasive procedure that destroys the endometrium can treat excessive menstrual bleeding and may eliminate the need for a hysterectomy.

Ovarian cysts

In some cases, it is recommended that ovarian cysts be surgically removed.

Incontinence

The inability to control the release of urine is quite common. Some studies suggest that around 1 out of every 4 women in the United States between the ages of 30 to 59 are affected by urinary incontinence.

Infertility

A number of conditions, including damage to fallopian tubes, scar tissue, endometriosis, fibroid tumors, and ovarian growths, may contribute to infertility. Physicians can treat many of these conditions using minimally invasive techniques.

Endometrial cancer

The most common of gynecological cancers, this occurs in the endometrium-the lining of the uterus. In most cases, surgical removal of the uterus-hysterectomy-is necessary to treat the disease.

In minimally invasive obstetric-gynecological surgeries, physicians use a device called a laparoscope, a slender illuminated optical or fiber-optic instrument that is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall. The laparoscope transmits images from within the patient's body to a video monitor the surgeon views during the procedure. Laparoscopic surgery eliminates the need for a long incision in the abdominal muscles, making post-operative care and recovery much easier.

Certain minimally-invasive procedures are done using the da Vinci robot. Learn more about the da Vinci hysterectomy.

At Baptist, physicians perform the following minimally invasive obstetric-gynecological surgeries.

• laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: In this procedure, surgeons remove the uterus, and in some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes, through the vagina as opposed through an incision in the abdomen.
• laparoscopic oophorectomy / salpingo-oopharectomy: This is the surgical removal of the ovaries or the ovaries and the fallopian tubes.
• laparoscopic hysterectomy: In this procedure, surgeons remove the uterus through a small incision in the abdomen.
• hysteroscopy / hysteroscopy endometrial ablation: This procedure allows surgeons to see the interior of the uterus to treat abnormal uterine bleeding and to diagnose and treat fibroids, polyps and scar tissue. In combination with other surgical instruments, physicians may circulate heated saline throughout the uterus, destroying the lining of the uterus. This is a good option for certain women with excessive menstrual bleeding.
• laparoscopic ablation of endometriosis: This procedure removes endometrial tissue which can in some cases contribute to infertility.
• laparoscopic tubal pregnancy: Tubal pregnancies-also called ectopic pregnancies-occur when an embryo becomes embedded anywhere other than the womb (uterus). Ectopic pregnancies are unable to continue to term (birth). Removal of the developing cells is necessary to save the life of the mother.
• laparoscopic myomectomy: In this procedure, physicians remove or destroy fibroid tumors.
• laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy: Minimally invasive technology may be used to remove smaller cysts from the ovaries.
• laparoscopic urethra suspension: Surgeons may treat urinary incontinence by surgically repairing muscles and tissue around the urethra and the neck of the bladder.

Learn about Center for Surgery in Baptist for Women.