Advanced Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery

Undergoing surgery for a gynecological problem may seem daunting, but the gynecologists and surgeons in the Sutter Health network offer the full suite of minimally invasive procedures for such conditions. Minimally invasive surgical procedures involve smaller incisions, a shorter recovery time, less blood loss and minimal scar tissue, helping you return to your daily activities as soon as possible. When needed, we also offer advanced robotic surgery for hysterectomy, bladder repair and fibroids.

Most minimally invasive surgical procedures on the reproductive system are done via laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. Both procedures are used to find and remove abnormal growths such as uterine polyps and uterine fibroids.

Laparoscopy

During a laparoscopic procedure, you are under general anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Your surgeon makes small incisions in your abdomen and inserts a laparoscope, an instrument with a light and a video camera on the end, into one of the incisions to better view the pelvic region. Through the other small incisions, your surgeon inserts probes, lasers, scissors and other miniature instruments that can remove problematic tissue. Many surgeons in the Sutter Health network also perform robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures.

Laparoscopy is often used to remove ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancies. It’s also used to treat endometriosis, as well as to remove the uterus if a hysterectomy is needed.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy also uses a lighted tube with a video camera on the end, called a hysteroscope, to view the inside of the uterus. Before the procedure, you are given sedatives and pain medications so you are comfortable and at ease during the procedure. Your doctor then inserts the hysteroscope into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. Narrow instruments such as forceps, cutting loops and lasers can be threaded through a channel in the hysteroscope to perform surgical operations.

Talk to your doctor about which procedure is best for your individual health needs.