Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery
One of the most significant risks of traditional surgery is the large incisions and resultant tissue damage. Healing this damage may be the most complicated aspect of recovery, and that’s why the Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology team prefers a less invasive approach whenever possible. With minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, incisions are just a fraction of the size of standard surgical incisions. This can have many benefits, including less bleeding, lower infection risk, less pain, and quicker recovery. Call the Fort Worth, Texas, office or book your consultation online.
What is minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery?
Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in your uterus, ovaries, and other parts of your reproductive system.
This procedure requires only tiny incisions — around half-inch to an inch long — which means it’s dramatically less invasive than the traditional surgical approach.
What happens during minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery?
You’ll receive anesthesia (typically general anesthesia) for this procedure, so you’ll sleep the whole time. Then, the team makes small incisions around the navel area and expands your abdominal area with gas, creating a clearer view.
A laparoscope, a long slim tube with an attached camera, slides into one of the incisions. The laparoscope sends live images of your pelvic organs to a nearby monitor. Then, the team can diagnose problems and determine whether you need treatment.
If you have a treatable issue, surgical instruments go through either the same incision (single-site laparoscopy) or a few additional tiny incisions nearby to remove tissue or make necessary changes.
When might I need minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery?
Some of the many reasons for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery include:
- Tubal ligation (sterilization)
- Hysterectomy (uterus removal)
- Uterine fibroid removal
- Endometriosis treatment (uterine lining removal)
- Ovarian cyst removal
- Tubal reanastomosis (sterilization reversal)
- Pelvic floor disorders
- Cancer removal
These procedures once required long incisions, but minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can give you the same results with a much easier surgical experience.
How does minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery compare with traditional surgery?
Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery is almost always the best surgical approach for gynecological problems because it offers many advantages over traditional surgery. These include:
- Much smaller incision
- Less bleeding during surgery
- Shorter time in the hospital (often outpatient)
- Less pain during recovery
- Little-to-no scarring
- Lowered infection risk
Most women return to work and their other normal activities far sooner than they would with traditional surgery.
For minor procedures, your recovery could be as short as a few days. However, your recovery is still far quicker than a traditional open hysterectomy, even with more complex procedures like hysterectomy.
If you need minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, you can rely upon the women’s health professionals at Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology for a smooth and easy experience. Call the office or book an appointment online.