Minimally Invasive Gynecology Procedures

Q&A with Physicians Regional Doctors:

Taparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery has become the mainstream in operating rooms across the United States.

The field of gynecologic surgery is no exception, as minimally invasive gynecology surgeries have gained enormous momentum within recent years. Advances in computer technology and laparoscopic instruments have allowed surgeons to offer a minimally invasive approach to a much broader range of patients.

In fact, many gynecology procedures can be successfully performed using a minimally invasive approach in most patients including: Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), Oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), Myomectomy (removal of the fibroids), and treatment of endometriosis and pelvic pain.

Dr. Dennis Hidlebaugh of Physicians Regional Medical Group and Dr. Jorge Valle of Physicians Regional Healthcare System took some time to answer frequently asked questions concerning minimally invasive gynecology procedure options available.

Minimally invasive gynecology has gained  enormous momentum in recent years.

What types of procedures can be performed using laparoscopic and minimally invasive techniques?

Dr. Hidelbaugh explains that essentially all gynecologic operations can be performed by laparoscopy, hysteroscopy or vaginal surgery. “The open traditional laparotomy method is outdated and should no longer be used for gynecologic surgery unless it is necessary. Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and vaginal surgery are all minimally invasive procedures that allow patients to experience excellent outcomes with fewer risks and complications than traditional open surgeries.”

What are the benefits of minimally invasive procedures over traditional surgeries?
Both Dr. Hidelbaugh and Dr. Valle agree that gynecologic minimally invasive surgery has many advantages over traditional surgeries, including:

• Combined diagnostic and therapeutic procedure
• Improved cosmetics
• Reduction of post-surgical adhesions
• Decreased hospitalization
• Decreased home recovery time
• Cost savings to insurance companies, employers and patients

Is a hysterectomy considered a major surgery?
Are there any alternatives?
According to Dr. Hidelbaugh, “For all women, a hysterectomy should be considered major surgery even if performed with minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopy. There are many hysterectomy alternatives such as myomectomy, endometrial ablation and medical therapy to treat many gynecologic conditions without hysterectomy. At Physicians Regional we believe in educating patients and ensuring that they understand all of their options when it comes to their health, enabling them to make well-informed decisions that is best for them. All women should discuss treatment options with their physician.”

Is surgery the only way to treat uterine fibroid tumors?
Dr. Valle explains, “First, most of the uterine fibroids do not require treatment; in these cases the appropriate action is to monitor them with pelvic exams and/or pelvic ultrasounds at regular intervals.  However, when they become symptomatic (abnormal uterine bleeding, causing pelvic pain, painful intercourse), affect other organs, or can present potential risks in pregnancy, they require intervention.

“At present we do not have a medical treatment that will remove the tumors, but some can control their continue growth, the use of such medications is also limited by their potential side effects.  Today options of treatment include, embolization, direct myolysis, myomectomy and a hysterectomy, either open and or via laparoscopy.   There is no one “best” approach for all situations, their indication varies in many aspects such as, the number, size and the anatomical location of the tumors as well as, the significance of the symptoms and whether the patient has or not, completed her family; therefore, selecting the best form of treatment per patient is of utmost importance as well as to be care in an institution recognized to be able to provide patients, with all their options.”

How has new technology advanced the treatment of endometriosis and pelvic pain?
As Dr. Valle reports, there is good news for women who suffer from infertility and pelvis pain. “Patients with endometriosis will usually present with chronic pelvic pain and/or infertility. Minimally invasive surgical procedures such laparoscopy have not only proven to be a better diagnostic tool, but also, offer a better way of treating endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain when compared with traditional open surgery and medical treatment. Minimally invasive procedures generally have fewer complications such as, post surgery adhesion formation and infection, require a shorter recovery time and have a better fertility outcome.”

Physicians Regional’s gynecologic surgeons are well equipped to deliver specialized surgical treatment for a variety of conditions. The caring team of doctors, surgeons and specialized nurses are focused on providing exceptional care to every woman.