Women’s health needs are unique. That is why gynecologists specialize in meeting those needs. Thanks to advancements in this medical field, many invasive treatments can now be carried out through minimally invasive techniques. This comes with clear benefits such as faster recovery, fewer and shorter hospital stays, and minimal scarring and pain. However, you need a highly experienced provider such as Denise Furlong, MD, one of the best Bedford Park minimally invasive surgery specialists at the Chicago Center for Women’s Health. But how can you benefit from these techniques? Have a look at the following procedures that can help you.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
This is one of the procedures known to be most minimally invasive as it is performed through a natural path without external incisions. However, the procedure can be accomplished through other routes, such as a laparoscopy. Note that the choice of the course used depends on your provider’s expertise and your unique needs. For instance, if you have a history of endometriosis, severe adhesions, or you are obese, the procedure may be carried out through a laparoscopy route. When the natural path is used, the recovery is typically faster than when other courses are used.
Laparoscopic and Robotic Multiple Port Surgery
These procedures are performed through more minor incisions, making them less invasive. In most cases, three 5-millimeter incisions are used. The only distinction separating the two procedures is the instruments used, where robotic technology that offers a 3D view of the treatment area is used for multiple port surgery. This allows a more ergonomic approach minimizing the risks for complications due to your provider’s fatigue. The resolution of which approach to use depends on your provider’s expertise.
Single Incision Approach
This is one of the main gynecological surgical procedures involving a single curved incision on your belly button. The incision is mainly between 1.5 to 2.5 mm, and once it is closed and healed, it becomes barely noticeable. It can either be performed robotically or through traditional laparoscopy, depending on your provider’s expertise. Several complex gynecological procedures such as complex endometriosis, myomectomy, and single-incision hysterectomy can be performed through this technique.
The advantages of this approach against multiple port procedures include high patient satisfaction, more cosmetic appeal, fewer complications, and faster recovery.
Hand-Assisted Hysterectomy
If you have a complex pathology or a large uterus, a hand-assisted hysterectomy may suit you, particularly when you are not a candidate for other procedures. It involves three incisions where two are made on the abdomen above the uterus usually 5 mm in size, and the third is a 6mm bikini cut made just above the pubic bone. Your provider puts their hand on the 6m incision to manipulate the large uterus and remove the tissue. The more significant part of the uterus can be removed through the larger incision, making the procedure faster, and you can go home the same day.
Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery
This is an emerging technology that offers genuinely scarless surgery involving an endoscope inserted into your vagina. This minimizes the estimated blood loss, operation length, postoperative stay, and any required blood fusion.
If surgery is a remedy for your condition, please know your minimally invasive options. Talk to your provider at Chicago Center for Women’s Health to determine which procedure best suits you, depending on your unique needs.
