LAPAROSCOPY
Sometimes called “minimally invasive surgery,” laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions — typically a half-inch or less — and a laparoscopic camera to display abdominal and pelvic organs on a screen. Other instruments can also be used, if needed, and are usually inserted through additional incisions in the abdomen. Compared to open abdominal surgery, there are many benefits to laparoscopy, including less pain, shorter recovery time, less risk of infection and smaller scars.
Laparoscopic surgery can be used for many procedures, such as:
· Removal of ovarian cyst/ovary/fallopian tube
· Treatment of endometriosis
· Fibroids
· Tubal sterilization
· Hysterectomy
Laparoscopic surgeries are typically outpatient procedures, so patients can go home the same day. You might feel tired and have some discomfort, with soreness around the incision(s). Your throat might be sore from the tube that supported your breathing, and you might experience back or shoulder pain from gas used during the procedure. These symptoms should all subside in a few days. We will discuss specific symptoms, instructions and issues with you, and encourage you to contact us right away with any concerns.
HYSTEROSCOPY
This procedure is similar to laparoscopy in that a thin, lighted telescope-type device — a hysteroscope — is used to transmit images of a patient’s uterus onto a screen. The device is inserted through the vagina and into the uterus. Additional devices are often used to provide treatment during the procedure. Hysteroscopy is most often performed in an outpatient setting. Patients often experience mild cramping and/or a small amount of bloody discharge for a few days after the procedure.
Hysteroscopy is commonly used to determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. This can mean that a woman’s menstrual periods are heavier or longer than normal, more or less frequent than normal, or that there is bleeding between periods. Abnormal bleeding could be caused by fibroids or polyps, or other benign (non-cancerous) growths in the uterus, which can be seen during the procedure.
Hysteroscopy can also be used to:
· Remove adhesions caused by infection or past surgery
· Determine the cause of repeated miscarriages
· Locate an intrauterine device (IUD)
Although hysteroscopy is typically a very safe procedure, there is a small risk of problems — the uterus or cervix can be punctured, bleeding could occur or excess fluid could build up in your system. Call your health professional right away if you experience fever, chills or heavy bleeding, or any other symptom that causes concern.
LEEP Procedure
LEEP is one way to remove abnormal cells from the cervix. Other procedures are cryosurgery, laser treatment and cone biopsy. The decision of which method to use depends on how much cervical tissue needs to be removed, and where on the cervix the abnormal cells are located.
During the LEEP procedure, an electric current is passed through a thin wire loop, which acts like a scalpel (surgical knife) to cut away a thin layer of the cervix. We usually do this procedure in the OR with general anesthesia.
After the procedure, a special paste may be applied to your cervix to stop any bleeding. Electrocautery may also be used to control bleeding. The tissue that is removed will be studied in a lab to confirm the diagnosis.
The most common risk in the first three weeks after a LEEP is heavy bleeding. If you have heavy bleeding, contact your doctor. You might need to have more paste applied to the cervix.
LEEP has been associated with an increased risk of future pregnancy problems. Although most women have no problems, there is a small increase in the risk of premature births and having a low birth weight baby. In rare cases, the cervix is narrowed after the procedure, which may cause problems with menstruation and may also make it difficult to become pregnant.
Endometrial Ablation
Ablation is a short procedure. It is done as outpatient surgery in most cases, meaning you can go home the same day. With thermal ablation, a device or fluid is inserted into your uterus. Heat and energy are applied to increase the temperature and destroy the lining.
You most likely will be given some form of pain relief or sedative to help you relax before the procedure. The type of pain relief depends on the type of ablation procedure, where it is done and your wishes. Discuss this with your doctor.
There are no incisions (cuts) involved in ablation. Recovery takes about two hours, depending on the type of pain relief used.
Your doctor will use one of a number of types of energy to burn away the uterine lining. These may include electrical, laser (light) or thermal (heat) ablation. As new techniques emerge, your doctor can explain them.
da Vinci Hysterectomy
Dr. Reynolds performs da Vinci Hysterectomy for many benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as heavy bleeding, fibroids, pelvic prolapse, or adenomyosis. The da Vinci System enables Dr. Reynolds to perform a minimally invasive hysterectomy even for complex conditions with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control. Using state-of-the-art technology, a da Vinci Hysterectomy requires only a few incisions so you can get back to your life faster. With traditional open surgery, recovery time is often 6-8 weeks with patients remaining in the hospital for 2-3 days. In contrast, after a robotic hysterectomy, a patient only stays in the hospital for a few hours and sometimes overnight. If your doctor recommends a hysterectomy to treat your condition, you may be a candidate for da Vinci Surgery. In addition, da Vinci Hysterectomy offers women many potential benefits over traditional surgery, including:
Fewer complications
Less pain
Less blood loss
Shorter hospital stay
Low risk of wound infection
Faster recovery and return to normal activities