Small Incision Gynaecological Surgery
Minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery is the use of less invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, to surgically treat gynaecologic conditions. Minimally invasive techniques require no or only a few small incisions, rather than one large incision. Some of the procedures can be done on an outpatient basis; other may require a short hospital stay of one to two nights.
Types of Small Incision Gynaecological Surgery
The type of procedure that best suits a patient’s needs depends on the type of condition, the patient’s overall health, the symptoms, and other factors.
Laparoscopy: The surgeon makes 3 to 4 small incisions in the pelvic area to insert a laparoscope, a narrow tube with a lighted camera, and surgical instruments to access the surgical site.
Vaginal technique: The surgeon makes a small incision in the vagina to access the surgical site.
Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal technique: The surgeon accesses the surgical site using both laparoscopy and the vaginal approach.
Robot-assisted laparoscopy: The surgeon uses a robotic system with a console that provides magnified, high-resolution 3D imaging of the surgical site, and controls arms with miniaturized instruments to perform a laparoscopy.
Single port surgery: The surgeon performs laparoscopy with just one incision into the navel (belly button).
Hysteroscopy: The surgeon inserts a hysteroscope, a narrow, lighted camera, and instruments through the cervix to access the uterus without incisions.
Procedures performed using minimally invasive gynaecologic surgical approaches
Cancer staging: Evaluation of cancerous tissue to determine whether it is in an early or a late stage, to help plan treatment
Endometrial ablation: Procedure to destroy the endometrium to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding
Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and, in some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes
Myomectomy: Removal of uterine fibroids and reconstruction of the uterus
Ovarian cystectomy: Removal of ovarian cysts
Resection and treatment of endometriosis: Removal of endometriotic implants and scar tissue with restoration of anatomy and functioning of organs
Pelvic organ prolapse repair: Suspension or reattachment procedures to reposition prolapsed pelvic organs, such as in the case of a cystocele (bladder hernia) or rectocele (rectal hernia), back into their proper positions
Cancer surgery: Removal of cancerous tumours from the cervix, uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs
Tubal ligation: Sterilization by cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes to permanently prevent pregnancy
Tubal reanastomosis: Procedure to reverse a tubal ligation by reconnecting the fallopian tubes
Conditions treated with Gynaecologic Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Gynaecologic cancers, such as cervical cancer, endometrial (uterine) cancer, and ovarian cancer
- Heavy bleeding and painful periods
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic adhesions (painful scar tissue)
- Pelvic pain
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Uterine fibroids
- Uterine polyps
Benefits of Gynaecologic Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive techniques offer a safer and effective alternative to traditional open surgery by avoiding a large abdominal incision. With minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery, our patients can have:
- Smaller incisions/li>
- Less blood loss
- Less pain
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery and return to daily activities
- Reduced scar tissue
- Less risk of infection or other complications