If you require gynecologic surgery, you have come to a skilled and experienced care center. Our physicians are experts in using the most minimally invasive methods to treat your condition. We have the resources and expertise to perform traditional, laparoscopic and robotic surgeries.
Gynecologic conditions that may require surgery include:
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic pain
- Ovarian cysts
- Fibroids
- Uterine anomalies
Minimally Invasive Procedures at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
We perform dozens of procedures using minimally invasive approaches. Keep in mind, however, that the goal of any surgery is to make you better. Minimally invasive surgery can accomplish this sometimes, while other times a more traditional “open” approach is necessary.
Procedures we perform include:
- Hysterectomy. Removal of the uterus through tiny incisions. Traditional, open surgeries used to mean healing from a six to 12 inch incision. Now women can go home the same day.
- Myomectomy. Your doctor will remove uterine fibroids using tiny, local incisions.
- Treatment of ovarian cysts. Your doctor sees and removes the cyst by making a small incision in the abdomen. Using the laparoscope and instruments near the pubic bone, your doctor removes or aspirates (drains fluid from) the cyst.
- Pelvic pain. Pelvic pain is difficult to diagnose. Using the laparoscope, your doctor can get an enhanced view of your reproductive system and find possible causes of your pain.
- Treatment of endometriosis. Using the laparoscope, your doctor can remove the adhesions growing from the uterus to other organs. This should help alleviate your pain.
Minimally Invasive Procedures for Gynecologic Surgery
In the past, when a woman needed gynecologic surgery, the procedure involved large incisions and long recoveries. Now, with sophisticated technology, our surgeons can operate on women using tiny incisions, leading to a reduced risk of infection and a faster recovery.
Laparoscopic, Robotic and Vaginal Surgical Procedures
The idea behind minimally invasive surgery is to use smaller incisions, or existing entryways into the body.
During a laparoscopic procedure, your doctor:
- Makes tiny incisions in your abdomen. Surgical instruments are inserted into those incisions, as well as a camera to enhance the visual field for the surgeon.
- Performs the surgery, making the necessary repairs.
- Removes the instruments and stitches the incisions.
During a robotic procedure, your doctor:
- Makes tiny incisions in your abdomen. He or she inserts the surgical instruments, a tiny robot and a camera.
- Performs the surgery from a nearby console, equipped with a large monitor and controls. Your surgeon controls the robot by manipulating the controls at the console. The monitor provides an enhanced, detailed image of the operating field.
- Removes the instruments and stitches the incisions.
In addition to the other benefits provided by minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery provides your surgeon with a more detailed view of the operating field and greater dexterity, allowing access to hard-to-reach places.
During vaginal surgery, your doctor:
- Makes a small incision in your vagina to access the affected area.
- Inserts small, laparoscopic instruments and a camera into your body and performs the surgery.
- Removes the instruments and stitches the incisions.
