Why would I need a minimally invasive surgery?

In most cases, surgery of any kind is the absolute last resort. Surgery should only be consider once conservative therapies have proven ineffective, or if you have a condition that isn’t treatable with nonsurgical options. Your OB/GYN may recommend a minimally invasive surgery to treat:

• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Uterine fibroids or polyps
• Miscarriage (as with a dilation and curettage or D&C procedure)

You may even need a minimally invasive procedure to remove your uterus, cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes — a partial or total hysterectomy — which is a common intervention if you develop problems in your reproductive organs.

Minimally invasive surgeries can be diagnostic, too. For instance, if your doctor can’t confirm a diagnosis with an ultrasound or another type of image, they may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to go in and get a closer look at your reproductive organs so they can make the necessary repairs.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?

The team of board-certified OB/GYNs at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology specializes in laparoscopic surgeries. This minimally invasive procedure involves making at least 2-3 small incisions — while you’re under general anesthesia — and inserting a thin tube with a camera at the end into one incision, then surgical tools into the surrounding incisions.

Your dedicated OB/GYN watches a monitor, which gathers a live feed from the laparoscope, so they can make repairs and remove tissues. Because your OB/GYN uses a few small incisions, they won’t have to cut into too many structures, which results in faster recovery and less postoperative pain. Minimally invasive procedures are also beneficial because you:

• Can often go home the same day
• Have little to no scarring afterward
• Have a lower risk of bleeding and surgical error

The highly skilled team at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology also offers several types of in-office procedures, including endometrial ablation to treat heavy bleeding or MyoSure® tissue removal (myomectomy) to remove fibroids and polyps. The practice even offers in-office diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy procedures to remove scar tissue or abnormal growths.

How long does it take to recover from minimally invasive surgery?

Your dedicated OB/GYN at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology counsels you about your postoperative care before your procedure, so you know how to prepare for your recovery period.

For minor minimally invasive surgeries, including in-office procedures and diagnostic laparoscopies, you may feel some soreness for just a few days. But usually, you can return to most of your regular activities within a couple of weeks.

If you need a more complex minimally invasive procedure, such as a hysterectomy, you need to give yourself at least a week or two to rest and relax at home. In this case, a full recovery can take 4-8 weeks.

Book your minimally invasive surgery evaluation at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology online today. You can also call the clinic to speak with a team member to find out more information.