Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery, which is also referred to as laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery, is performed through very tiny incisions, a sharp contrast to traditional open surgery. The small incisions are an entry point for tiny cameras with attached microscopes, which are lit up with fiber-optic flashlights. The interior of the surgical area is displayed on nearby high-definition monitors, where the doctor can see every detail while performing the surgery.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Q & A

How Many Stitches Are Needed in Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery requires only one or two stitches, a sharp contrast to open surgeries that have long incisions requiring multiple stitches.

What Are the Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery?

There are a number of advantages to minimally invasive surgery. This type of surgery has less blood loss, reduced surgical scarring, and a much faster recovery time than with open surgery. The majority of women are able to go back to their regular activities after about two weeks.

What Is Intra-Abdominal Minimally Invasive Surgery?

This type of procedure is done for patients who need to have pelvic organs removed, fixed, or evaluated. In this kind of surgery, the incision is an inch or smaller. Some of the most common intra-abdominal minimally invasive surgeries include a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus), a myomectomy (fibroid removal), a laparoscopy (evaluation or removal of adhesions, endometriosis, cysts, or other issues), and a sacral colpopexy (supporting the pelvis).

What Is Non-Intra-Abdominal Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Non-intra-abdominal surgery is also done through tiny incisions, or through a natural orifice. This kind of procedure is normally done in-office, so it is an outpatient surgery. Common non-intra-abdominal minimally invasive surgeries include: endometrial ablation (destruction of the uterine lining), advanced hysteroscopy (evaluation of the uterine area and removal of problems), D&C, urethral sling (treatment of urinary incontinence), and labiaplasty (restructure of the vaginal area).