Diagnostic & Operative Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a way of doing surgery without making a large incision on the abdomen. This procedure is done under general anesthesia. A thin, lighted camera- known as the laparoscope- is inserted through a small incision in the belly button. The camera takes images inside your body and those images are sent to a video monitor in the operating room which guides surgeons as they operate. Additional 5 – 10 mm incisions may also be made in the lower abdomen for surgical instruments to perform the surgery.
Laparoscopy can be used for the diagnosis as well as treatment of some of the following conditions:
- Pelvic pain
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic adhesions
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Sterlization
- Evaluation for fallopian tube patency in infertile patients
Our physicians are proficient in minimally invasive laropscopic procedures that leave minimal scars and allow a fast recovery.
Robotic Assisted Gynecologic Surgery with the da Vinci System
Physicians at The Ob-Gyn Center are now utilizing this state of the art system. da Vinci Surgery is another minimally invasive option for women undergoing gynecological surgery. With the da Vinci Surgical System, surgeons operate through just a few small incisions – similar to traditional laparoscopy. This technology allows the surgeon to operate via a 3D high-definition vision system and special wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist, allowing the surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control. The surgeon is 100% in control of the da Vinci System, which translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of the tiny instrument inside your body. With this technology, more complex and difficult procedures can be done with small laparoscopic incisions. The benefits include a faster recovery time and less pain postoperatively.
Procedures that can be performed using the da Vinci System:
- Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
- Laparoscopic removal of an ovarian cyst
- Laparoscopic removal of the ovaries
- Laparoscopic endometriosis surgery
- Laparoscopic Myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids)
- Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy/Da Vinci Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy - General Guide
A hysterectomy is a procedure where the uterus is surgically removed as a treatment for many diseases such as, but not limited to, uterine fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, cervical and uterine cancer, pelvic pain, endometriosis, and pelvic organ prolapse. Our physicians at The Ob Gyn Center are proficient in the many different ways of performing a hysterectomy. After a thorough review of your medical history, a physical exam, lab and diagnostic imaging tests, you and your physician can decide on the type of hysterectomy that best suits your needs.
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus. A small incision is made in the belly button and a tiny camera is inserted. Two or three other tiny incision are made in the lower abdomen to accommodate long, thin surgical instruments. These specialized instruments are used to perform the surgery. The camera takes images inside your body and those images are sent to a video monitor in the operating room which guides surgeons as they operate. Advantages of this procedure include smaller incisions, and a faster recovery time.
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
This type of hysterectomy is where the uterus is removed through the vagina. The laparoscopic is used to guide the procedure. This procedure can be useful for conditions associated with uterine prolapse, and other pelvic organ prolapse.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
An abdominal hysterectomy is where the uterus, cervix, with or without the fallopian tubes and ovaries, are removed via an abdominal incision. This route is rarely used these days due to multiple advances in the surgical technologies with minimally invasive measures. The abdominal hysterectomy is usually used for difficult cases or a very large uterus.
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a surgical procedure to look inside the uterus. A thin, lighted camera is inserted through the vagina into the uterine cavity. The hysteroscope transmits the image of the uterine cavity onto a video monitor. This allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat a variety of problems. Other instruments can be used along with the hysteroscope for biopsies or treatment.
Hysteroscopy can be used for the following:
- Diagnostic purposes
- Endometrial samping (curretage)
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometrial polyps
- Removal of intrauterine adhesions
- Locate an intrauterine device (IUD)
