Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is performed using an instrument called a laparoscope ( a thin, lighted telescope) that is inserted through 3-4 tiny ( ½ -inch) incisions made in the abdomen. The laparoscope allows a physician to see and operate in the abdomen without having to make a long incision.

Laparoscopic surgical techniques allow surgery to be performed with less trauma to patients, and minimal damage to body tissues. This often means fewer days in the hospital, and much less pain during recovery. In many cases, patients go home the same day or the next morning.

Laparoscopic surgery can be used to address a number of gynecologic conditions that used to require large incisions. Some common procedures include:

• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic Burch Procedure
• Laparoscopic Vault Suspension
• Operative Hysteroscopy
• Endometrial Ablation
• Tension-free Vaginal Tape Sling Procedure
• da Vinci Robotic Surgery

The following table compares the differences in average length of stay in the hospital and usual recovery time for some of the most common operations that can now be performed using laparoscopic techniques.

For more information and references about laparoscopic and robotic surgery please see our resources page.