Minimal Invasive
Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS and sometimes called laparoscopic surgery) is
done through small incisions. Using specialized techniques, miniature
cameras with microscopes, tiny fiber-optic flashlights and high definition
monitors, we can perform surgery
through an incision that requires only a stitch or two to close.
Minimally invasive procedures offer many options for both the
physician and the patient. Compared with traditional surgery, MIS procedures
offer the following advantages:
Smaller incisions resulting in reduced pain and discomfort
Minimal scarring
Greater surgical precision
Enhanced visualization of the surgical site
Less trauma
Fewer complications
Less blood loss and a decreased need for blood transfusions
Less need for pain medication
Reduced risk of infection
Shorter hospital stays
Faster recoveries
Minimally invasive surgery is performed both on an
inpatient (stay in the hospital) and outpatient (go home the same day)
basis.
MIS PROCEDURES
Following are some of the types of minimally invasive surgery performed
by Women's Associates:
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Hysteroscopic Fibroids
LSH (Laparoscopic Supracervical Hystereceomy)
Ovarian Cysts
TVT (Tension Free Vaginal Tape)
Uterine Polyps
WHAT IS LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique for
operations within the abdomen or pelvis. This technology allows a careful
and magnified view of the surgical field that is projected on a high
definition monitor. For gynecologic surgery, it can be used to survey the
pelvis to assess several gynecologic conditions such as ovarian cysts,
torsion, and cancer. More complex operations have developed, including
laparoscopic removal of a tubal pregnancy, harvest of eggs for in vitro
fertilization (is this done laparoscopically?), and -- more recently --laparoscopic
removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) or the ovaries.
The procedure is usually done in the hospital, under general anesthesia.
A small incision is made within the navel to allow insertion of a
laparoscope (a narrow instrument attached to a camera and light source) to
view the abdomen and pelvis. Additional small incisions are made for
instruments that enable the surgeon to move organs, cut tissue, suture, and
staple structures as needed to safely and effectively perform the procedure.
WHAT IS HYSTEROSCOPY SURGERY?
Hysteroscopy is used to inspect the inside of the uterus, allowing both
diagnosis and treatment of problems. This technique can be used for
conditions within the uterus such as uterine polyps, septums, and certain
fibroids.
Like laparoscopic surgery, a camera and light source are attached to a
narrow instrument called a hysteroscope to view the surgical field on a high
definition monitor. However, the hysteroscope is inserted vaginally through
the cervix into the uterus for a view within the uterine cavity. Therefore,
hysteroscopic surgery does not require any incisions. Modern hysteroscopes
are so thin that they can fit through the cervix with minimal or no
dilation. Diagnosis and simple hysteroscopic procedures can be done in an
office setting. More complex operative hysteroscopy procedures are done in
an operating room setting.
It is important to keep in mind that evaluation of the ovaries, remaining
portions of the pelvis, and abdomen require laparoscopy.
Office hysteroscopy is offered at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Office hysteroscopy can be used to help direct surgical planning for the
appropriate procedure to be planned. It can potentially help avoid an
unnecessary visit to the operating room. Our office hysteroscopies offer
diagnostic evaluation. Treatment is reserved for the operating room.
