Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Treatment Options

What are Laparoscopy, Hysteroscopy, and Robotic-Assisted Surgery?

Laparoscopy uses a thin lighted tube inserted through tiny incisions in the skin. The abdomen stays closed while the surgery is performed. These incisions are very cosmetic in comparison to the larger incisions needed in conventional surgery.

Hysteroscopic surgery requires no incision. A hysteroscope is a thin instrument with a lens, light and camera. It is carefully inserted into the vagina and through the cervix, and it can be used to evaluate and correct many uterine abnormalities. For many patients, this procedure can be a safe and effective alternative to hysterectomy.

Vaginal surgery is any surgery performed using the vagina as an entry point. . This approach does not require an incision to the abdomen, giving a better cosmetic result and a shorter recovery time. Examples of this approach include hysterectomy, prolapse surgery and urinary incontinence procedures.

Robotic-assisted surgery is a surgical approach for laparoscopic surgery used by a subset of our surgeons. It still involves small incisions, but the robot offers 3D vision and higher magnification. It can also turn and manipulate the instruments similar to the movements of your hand, which helps in more complex cases like severe endometriosis and extensive scar tissue from prior surgeries.

Where are these procedures performed?

Some of the hysteroscopic procedures can be performed in our offices without need for general anesthesia and a visit to the hospital. If a hospital setting is required, these procedures are performed by our surgeons with extensive expertise in laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. We perform procedures at the following premier hospitals in the Boston Metro area:

• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Milton
• Eastern Massachusetts Surgery Center (Norwood)
• Mount Auburn Hospital
• Newton-Wellesley Hospital
• South Shore Hospital
• Winchester Hospital