Surgical Treatment Options

When medication and non-invasive procedures are unable to relieve symptoms, surgery remains the accepted and most effective treatment for a range of gynecologic conditions. These include, but are not limited to, cervical and uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapsed, urinary incontinence and menorrhagia or excessive bleeding.

Traditional open gynecologic surgery, using a large incision for access to the uterus and surrounding anatomy, has for many years been the standard approach to many gynecologic procedures. Yet with open surgery can come significant pain, trauma, a long recovery process and threat to surrounding organs and nerves. For women facing gynecologic surgery, the period of pain, discomfort and extended time away from normal daily activities that usually follows traditional surgery can understandably cause significant anxiety.

Fortunately, less invasive options are available. Some gynecologic procedures enable surgeons to access the target anatomy using a vaginal approach, which may not require an external incision. But for complex hysterectomies and other gynecologic procedures, robot-assisted surgery may be the most effective, least invasive treatment option.  Robotic surgery can also be used for the removal of ovaries, endometrosis, and any gynecological surgery.  Through tiny, 1-2 cm incisions, surgeons can operate with greater precision and control, minimizing the pain and risk associated with large incisions while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and excellent clinical outcomes.

Below are some surgical options your provider may consider.

Pelvic Floor Reconstruction
Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery is a specialized component of Gynecology that involves surgical treatment for restoring normal female anatomy and function. This includes evaluation and treatment of congenital defects, uterine abnormalities, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and much more.  

Laparoscopic hysterectomy
A laparoscope is a narrow tube with a tiny camera on the end. Your surgeon will make 3 to 4 small cuts in your belly. The laparoscope and other surgical instruments will be inserted through the other cuts. Your uterus will be cut into smaller pieces that your surgeon will remove through the small cuts.

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy
Your surgeon will remove your uterus through a cut inside your vagina. Your surgeon will also insert a laparoscope and other instruments into your belly through 2 or 3 small cuts.

Robotic surgery
Robotic surgery is like laparoscopic surgery, but a special machine is used. It is most often used when a patient has cancer or is very overweight and vaginal surgery is not safe.