What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is a form of surgery that reduces the amount of cutting of skin and tissue that is required to perform a surgical procedure. The reason behind this approach is to cause as little trauma as possible to the body because of the surgery. This means:
- Smaller incisions
- Reduced pain
- Reduced blood loss
- Lower risk of infection
- Reduced scar tissue
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities
While the scope of this type of surgery and the range of procedures where it can be used are increasing, it may not be suitable for all types of surgery. Your surgeon will decide if a minimally invasive approach is right for your case.
Gynecologic Surgery – Cutting-Edge Minimally Invasive Procedures
Doctors specializing in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) evaluate and treat women with a wide range of gynecological conditions. While advancements in the field are increasing the number of procedures that can be performed on an outpatient basis, in many cases, a hospital stay may still be required. The main innovative approaches to MIGS may be divided into:
- Hysteroscopic Surgery – This is a form of surgery that does not involve making incisions. The surgeon will move a thin tube with a camera at the tip through the cervix and into the uterus. The camera will provide real-time video of the interior of the uterine cavity which will enable the surgeon to operate using special minute surgical tools that are inserted into the uterus in the same manner.
- Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery - In this procedure, small incisions are made into the abdomen through which narrow tubes called trocars are inserted. Special minute surgical instruments and cameras are inserted via these tubes which the surgeon will then use to perform the required surgical procedures. The cameras and instruments are then removed through the same tubes and the small incision is closed.
- Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation – This procedure is done to remove fibroids. Two instruments are inserted into the abdomen through small incisions. One is a camera that is positioned above the uterus. The second is an ultrasound wand that is placed on the uterus. These two devices provide the surgeon with 2 distinct images of a uterine fibroid. This allows the surgeon to be more precise and accurate than what would be possible with just one view. Once the fibroid is located, small needles are inserted into the fibroid. The needles are then heated and the heat destroys the fibroid.
- Robotic Surgery – With this procedure, the surgeon is not near the patient during the operation. Instead, he controls and uses special high-tech computer-controlled mechanical arms (robots) to make small incisions and insert cameras and special surgical tools to perform the required procedure. Robotic surgery enables surgeons to perform highly complex procedures with greater control, precision and flexibility than is possible using traditional surgical methods.
- Vaginal Surgery – This procedure involves passing minute cameras and surgical instruments through the vagina to perform surgical procedures. While similar to laparoscopic and robotic surgery, in this case, no abdominal incisions are made.
Also Read: What You Need to Know About Menstrual Pain and Cramps?
Conditions That Can Be Treated
The decision to opt for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery will depend on various factors and medical considerations that the surgeons and gynecologists will evaluate. The patient is then informed of the surgeon’s decision and the reasons behind it. In some cases where both minimally invasive and traditional surgical procedures are equally viable, the patients may be presented with both options to choose from. The surgeons will give the patients the input needed to make an informed choice.
Among the conditions that can be treated using minimally invasive surgery are:
- Surgical management of ectopic pregnancy
- Surgical management of missed or incomplete abortion
- Surgical treatment of endometriosis
- Surgical treatment of uterine fibroids
- Surgical management of congenital anomalies
- Surgical treatment of vulvar disorders
- Cervical loop electrode excision procedure (LEEP) and conization
- CO-2 laser treatments of lower genital tract dysplasia
- Diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy
- Diagnostic and operative laparoscopy
- Endometrial ablation
- Hysteroscopic and laparoscopic sterilization
- Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation
- Magnetic resonance-focused ultrasound for treatment of uterine fibroids
- Sonohysterography
- Vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomy
New minimally invasive surgical technologies and tools are appearing with increasing frequency. Your gynecologist or surgeon will be able to tell you more about these and other minimally invasive procedures.
Gynecologic medical conditions are often very sensitive issues. Besides the direct impact on the patient’s health, there may be other aspects to the ailment that affect overall health, impact reproductive issues and also have psychological consequences. Any surgical option that will reduce the physical and mental trauma of the patient is usually the preferred option. If you have been diagnosed with a gynecologic ailment that requires surgery, ask your surgeon about the minimally invasive options. If you suspect that you have a gynecologic problem and want to obtain a clear and accurate diagnosis, minimally invasive diagnostic procedures may be your best option.
Whatever the diagnostic and treatment needs, a multispecialty hospital is where you will find a gynecological department with the best doctors and surgeons and the most advanced technology and equipment for both minimally invasive and traditional surgical procedures. The additional benefit is that if any associated health issues require other specialized treatment, this will also be available at the same hospital which is better for the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is minimally invasive gynecologic surgery?
It is a surgical approach with smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
2. What are common types of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery?
Common types include hysteroscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, and vaginal surgery.
3. What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive surgery?
Conditions include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ectopic pregnancy, and certain gynecologic cancers.
4. What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?
Benefits include reduced pain, lower risk of infection, less scarring, and a quicker return to normal activities.
5. Where can I find specialists for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery?
A multispecialty hospital with an advanced gynecology department is ideal for these procedures.