Experience faster recovery and less discomfort with minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Using advanced techniques like robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgery, we treat a wide range of gynecologic conditions with precision and smaller incisions. This means less pain, faster healing and a quicker return to your daily routine.
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: Less pain, quicker recovery
At Tufts Medicine, we are committed to providing expert care for women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) who are living with conditions affecting the reproductive organs, including the vagina, uterus and bladder. When gynecologic surgery is needed, we use the latest minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted and laparoscopic procedures, to help reduce pain, speed up recovery and lower the risk of complications.
From the first consultation to post-surgery follow-up, we ensure that your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, helping you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to help you take control of your reproductive health with expert care and support.
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Conditions
If you’ve been referred to us for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, you're in expert hands. Our advanced techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, offer faster recovery, less pain and a smoother healing process. We commonly treat the following conditions using minimally invasive methods:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding: Unusual bleeding from the uterus outside of a typical menstrual cycle.
- Adnexal masses: Growths near the ovaries or fallopian tubes that may be benign or cancerous.
- Cervical insufficiency: When the cervix opens too early during pregnancy, increasing the risk of preterm birth.
- Cesarean scar defects: Gaps or indentations in the uterine wall after a C-section that may cause pain or other complications.
- Chronic pelvic pain: Persistent pain in the lower abdomen that may be linked to other gynecologic conditions.
- Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.
- Endometrial hyperplasia: Thickening of the uterine lining that can sometimes lead to abnormal bleeding.
- Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Fibroids (uterine fibroids): Non-cancerous tumors that develop in or around the uterus.
- Infertility: Difficulty conceiving due to various reproductive health conditions.
- Ovarian cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries that may be harmless or cause symptoms.
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): Severe menstrual pain that may interfere with daily life.
- Pelvic adhesions: Bands of scar tissue in the pelvis that can cause pain and fertility issues.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: When pelvic organs shift from their normal position due to weakened muscles.
Pelvic surgery during pregnancy
Pelvic surgery during pregnancy is rare but sometimes needed to keep both the pregnant person and baby safe. Doctors carefully plan the surgery to lower any risks, using special techniques to protect the baby. In many cases, surgery is safest in the second trimester. After the procedure, we work closely with your obstetrician to watch the pregnant person and baby to make sure they’re doing well. If you ever need pelvic surgery while pregnant, we will guide you every step of the way.
Testing
Before minimally invasive gynecology surgery, doctors often suggest some tests to make sure you’re ready. Here are some common tests:
- Blood tests: These tests check your hormone levels and overall health to make sure you're fit for surgery.
- Biopsy: Collects a small sample of tissue, often from the uterus, cervix or another area, to check for abnormal cells.
- Diagnostic hysteroscopy: Uses a thin tube with a camera and light that goes through the cervix into the uterus to check for problems like polyps or fibroids.
- Imaging tests: Sometimes, doctors may order CT scans or MRIs to get detailed pictures of your pelvic area.
- Pap test: Looks for any changes in your cervical cells to find problems early.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: A small probe is placed inside the vagina to create detailed images of the uterus, ovaries and cervix, helping doctors diagnose conditions like fibroids, cysts or abnormal bleeding.
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to make pictures of your reproductive organs. It helps doctors see if there are any issues like cysts or fibroids.
- Urine test: Helps check for infections or other conditions that might affect surgery.
These tests help doctors understand your condition and plan the safest, most effective treatment for you.
Treatments
At Tufts Medicine, we use advanced robotic-assisted and laparoscopic technology to perform minimally invasive surgeries for complex reproductive health conditions. If you're diagnosed with a condition that can benefit from these methods, we'll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. We are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, and we collaborate with trusted obstetricians to ensure you receive the best care possible. These minimally invasive techniques offer reduced risk, quicker recovery and smaller incisions for a better overall experience.
- Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive technique where the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and uses a camera (laparoscope) to view and treat pelvic organs.
- Hysteroscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera and light is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to diagnose and treat conditions like fibroids, polyps and other abnormalities.
- Robotic-assisted surgery: Robotic arms controlled by the surgeon for precision, flexibility and control, especially in complex procedures.
These advanced techniques are designed to help you recover faster, experience less discomfort and minimize risks and include:
- Adnexal mass removal: Removal of growths or masses near the ovaries or fallopian tubes, typically performed using robotic-assisted or laparoscopic surgery.
- Cervical cerclage: A treatment for cervical insufficiency. Uses stitches to keep the cervix closed to prevent it from opening too early during pregnancy to help maintain the pregnancy.
- Endometrial ablation: Removal of the uterine lining to treat abnormal bleeding, usually performed through the vagina using specialized instruments.
- Endometriosis surgery: Removal or treatment of endometriosis tissue, sometimes performed using robotic-assisted or laparoscopic surgery, to improve symptoms like pelvic pain and infertility.
- Ectopic pregnancy surgery: Removal of a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes, typically performed using robotic-assisted or laparoscopic surgery to minimize damage to surrounding tissue.
- Fertility-preserving surgery: Procedures like myomectomy (removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus) or tubal reversal to help improve fertility, typically performed using robotic-assisted surgery.
- Fibroid removal (myomectomy): Removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus, typically done using robotic-assisted surgery.
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, usually performed using robotic-assisted or laparoscopic surgery for quicker recovery and smaller incisions.
- Oophorectomy: Removal of one or both ovaries, typically performed using robotic-assisted or laparoscopic surgery for smaller incisions and quicker recovery.
- Ovarian cyst removal: Removal of cysts from the ovaries, typically performed using robotic-assisted or laparoscopic surgery for less pain and faster recovery.
- Pelvic organ prolapse surgery: Restores the position of pelvic organs that have dropped due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, typically involving vaginal or abdominal access, and sometimes mesh implants.
- Sterilization (tubal ligation or removal): A permanent contraceptive procedure where the fallopian tubes are blocked or removed, typically performed using robotic-assisted or laparoscopic surgery.
- Uterine artery embolization: A less invasive procedure that blocks blood vessels supplying fibroids, causing them to shrink. This is often used as an alternative to surgery for treating fibroids.
These advanced techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, provide effective treatments with fewer risks, quicker recovery and minimal scarring. You'll get back to your daily life faster, with more confidence. We're committed to making your recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible every step of the way.
FAQs
What are the advantages of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery?
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery refers to a group of advanced surgical techniques that use small incisions and specialized tools like cameras and robotic technology to treat various gynecologic conditions. This approach leads to quicker recovery, less pain and smaller scars.
What should I expect during a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery procedure?
During a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, the surgeon will use small incisions, often just a few millimeters and special tools like a laparoscope or robotic instruments. You may be under general or regional anesthesia. Recovery is usually quicker than with traditional surgery, and you can expect less pain and minimal scarring.
How do I know if minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is right for me?
Your doctor will evaluate your condition and discuss the best treatment options for your needs. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is an excellent choice for many conditions, but your doctor will ensure it is the right approach for your specific situation.
What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive gynecologic surgery?
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery can treat a variety of conditions, including abnormal uterine bleeding, adnexal masses, cervical insufficiency, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids, infertility, ovarian cysts, pelvic organ prolapse and more. It offers an effective, less invasive treatment option for many gynecologic concerns.
Are there risks associated with minimally invasive gynecologic surgery?
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery offers increased precision and better control. The risks are minimal but can include infection, bleeding or injury to surrounding tissues. However, these risks are reduced with the precision of robotic-assisted and laparscopic surgery.
This technology allows for smaller incisions, reducing tissue damage and scarring and leads to quicker recovery times. It also enables surgeons to work in tight or hard-to-reach areas with greater accuracy, offering better outcomes for complex conditions.
Is minimally invasive surgery effective for treating pelvic organ prolapse?
Yes, minimally invasive surgery is effective for treating pelvic organ prolapse. It uses robotic or laparoscopic techniques to reposition prolapsed organs with minimal pain and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Can minimally invasive gynecologic surgery be used for uterine fibroid removal?
Yes, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is commonly used for uterine fibroid removal, offering improved precision and faster recovery compared to traditional methods.
Can minimally invasive gynecologic surgery treat endometriosis?
Yes, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, including robotic-assisted surgery, can effectively treat endometriosis. These procedures allow for the precise removal of endometrial tissue with smaller incisions, leading to less pain and quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Your doctor will assess your specific condition to determine if MIGS is the right choice. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is often recommended for mild to moderate endometriosis, but more advanced cases may require additional treatments.
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