Minimally Invasive Surgery

What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery refers to surgical techniques that utilize smaller or fewer incisions and cause less damage to your body. Previously, all surgery was done as open surgery. During open surgery, a large incision is made through your skin and tissue to get access to the surgical area, which usually requires a longer recovery period and greater risk, not to mention a larger scar.

Today, the surgeons at May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology have many options for performing surgery, including minimally invasive surgery.

What are the Types of Minimally Invasive Surgery?

The surgical experts at May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology use a number of minimally invasive surgical techniques to perform your gynecological surgery. Common techniques include:

• Laparoscopic: During laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon makes a small incision in your abdomen and inserts a laparoscope, which is a surgical camera that serves as your surgeon’s eyes during your procedure. Then, through other small incisions, your surgeon inserts surgical instruments to perform the necessary procedure.
• Vaginal Surgery: During a vaginal surgery, your surgeon performs the surgical procedure through your vagina. This type of procedure is the least invasive of all the minimally invasive surgical options.
• Robotic: The robotic minimally invasive surgery is the most advanced surgical technique. During a robotic procedure, your surgeon conducts your surgery using a special console and control panel that allows for precise incisions with the use of very small surgical instruments. Some of the OB/GYN experts at May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology received specialized training to use the da Vinci® Surgical System.

The type of minimally invasive procedure you need may depend on the reason for your surgery and your underlying health condition.

Who is a Good Candidate for Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Your physician at May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology determines if you’re a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery after an examination, the type of procedure you need, and your health history.

Common gynecological surgeries that can be performed using minimally invasive techniques include:

• Hysterectomy
• Removal of fibroid or ovarian cyst
• Treatment for heavy menstrual periods
• Endometriosis resection
• Sterilization

Your physician may also recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure to take a better look at your reproductive organs to rule out or confirm a diagnosis.

What are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery offers many benefits when compared to the more traditional open surgery. Benefits include:

• Less pain
• Reduced recovery time
• Shorter hospital stay
• Minimal scarring
• Less blood loss

While not everyone is a candidate for minimally invasive surgery, the team at May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology can expertly perform the surgery when necessary.

To learn more about minimally invasive surgery for gynecology, call May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology today, or request an appointment online.