Just for Her: Laparoscopic surgery--a less invasive solution to many gynecologic problems
By John Eggers, MD
Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Cascade Valley Arlington Women's Health
(formerly Cascade Valley Women's Health)
The concept of laparoscopy is over a hundred years old. Physicians originally tried to peer into body cavities with a long cylinder and a candle. So, this current, minimally invasive surgical method is really just "technology-assisted" improvements on old ideas.
A History of Laparoscopic Surgery
Gynecologists can probably claim "original settlement" of the field as they were the first area of medicine to use it widely. A laparoscope is an instrument that looks into the abdominal cavity through an incision that is less than an inch long. While using only the scope for visualization, laparoscopic surgery is performed with instruments placed in the abdominal cavity through similar small incisions. As with many other original settlers, gynecologists were content, for the most part, to limit this approach to simple surgeries such as tubal ligations and looking at ovaries and other organs in the pelvis.
In the late 1970s a few brave gynecologists ventured beyond those procedures, and by the late 1980s these pioneers were enthusiastically teaching others the techniques of removing ovaries, fallopian tubes and uteri with only laparoscopic instruments.
Advances in television technology and the entry of general surgeons into the field really made things fly. Today, laparoscopic surgery has become the anticipated, if not expected, way to do many procedures. " Opening" the patients has come to be reserved for extremely difficult situations. Cascade Valley Hospital is very progressive in the department of laparoscopic surgery, making the specialized instruments available to perform many procedures.
Laparoscopy and Gynecologic Surgery
This minimally invasive form of surgery is offered for procedures such as:
- Removal of uterus
- Removal of ovaries
- Removal of fallopian tubes
- Removal of fibroid and other benign tumors of the uterus
- Surgical treatment of endometriosis
- Bladder suspension
- Vaginal suspension
Benefits to You
The most important benefit is how quickly most of you will recover your daily lives. In general, the hospital stay and recovery time are shortened by one-half to two-thirds, allowing most patients to go home in 24 to 36 hours, sometimes even less. Compare that to three to six days for regular surgeries.
Other benefits include reduced post surgery scarring and less chance of developing lung problems, such as pneumonia, and potentially fatal blood clots.
For you, this means less time away from your work and family, less impact on your life, and a better cosmetic appearance.
At Cascade Valley Hospital, laparoscopic surgery is an option for you and your physician to consider.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.