M. Dwight Chen, M.D.

The field of gynecologic oncology is developing rapidly both in terms of new surgical techniques and new chemotherapy treatments. I see my role as helping my patients fully understand the increasing number of options open to them and guiding them in making the best treatment decisions for their unique and individual needs and wishes. I am particularly interested in laparoscopic surgical techniques. Laparoscopic surgery is surgery through small incisions using a special flexible tube with a camera at the end (laparoscope). With smaller incisions there is less blood loss and typically a shorter and less painful recovery for the patient. Although I've been performing laparoscopic surgery for nearly two decades, I still find it exciting to see what a difference less invasive surgery can make for patients who once had no choice but traditional open surgeries with large incisions. As an expert in advanced surgical techniques, I also treat women with noncancerous reproductive system conditions that require complicated surgery. This gives my work a lot of variety, and I am constantly learning as my field advances.

While studying at the University of Minnesota, my research was focused on laparoscopy, and I have given talks internationally on this subject.