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| Dr Cindy Hall, D.O., OB/GYN |
Some women's gynecologic health conditions can only be resolved through surgery, after other treatments have been explored and exhausted. Most gynecological practitioners view surgery as a last resort, but the good news is that new technological advances mean virtually no scars, accelerated healing time and a cost savings with many, if not most, gynecologic surgeries. When you’re ready to take the next step, your OB–GYN practitioner can help you weigh the benefits of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, a state-of-the-art alternative to open surgery.
Some of the procedures that can now be accomplished through minimally invasive gynecological surgery include hysterectomy, removal of ovaries and removal of fibroids. Treatment can be also be done for several benign gynecological conditions: abnormal uterine bleeding, ovarian cysts and masses, endometriosis and pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, and tubal ligation. This surgical specialty is also widely used as a diagnostic tool. Conditions can be both diagnosed and treated through a minimally invasive approach with the aid of a laparoscope—a thin, lighted tube—put through a small incision in the belly that makes it possible to look at female pelvic organs. Other tiny incisions beneath the belly button allow the passage of special instruments into the pelvis, allowing the surgeon to carry out the surgery.
Most laparoscopic procedures take place in an out-patient hospital surgery setting that does not require an overnight stay. One of the biggest advantages of minimally invasive surgery is the cost savings to the patient. In today's health care environment, many patients' insurance coverage has a high deductible, so finding cost savings on health care is essential for most. Traditional in-patient surgeries and resulting charges for general anesthesia and overnight hospital stays can be avoided with most laparoscopic surgeries. Other advantages of minimally invasive procedures include faster recovery times, reduced blood loss, reduced infection rates, and less postoperative pain.
One type of minimally invasive surgery, called hysteroscopy, involves placing a small camera through the cervix to look at the inside of the uterus. Specialized instruments can be passed through the camera which allows the surgeon to operate inside the uterus without an incision. In some cases this can be done in a physician’s office for specific conditions including tubal occlusion for permanent sterilization.
An effective and simple solution for menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual bleeding, is a hysteroscopic endometrial ablation. Endometrial ablation is a short procedure, sometimes done in your doctor's office, which destroys the uterine lining, or endometrium, through heat, freezing or microwave. The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents future uterine bleeding.
Consult your OB-GYN practitioner to learn more about minimally invasive surgery and to help you locate a physician specifically trained in this specialty. These accessible, effective and affordable solutions can enhance health, well-being and quality of life for women.
Dr. Cindy Hall, D.O. OB/GYN
A Center for Women's Care, P.C.
2001 Blake Avenue, Suite A
Glenwood Springs
970-384-2000
