Minimally-Invasive Procedures

Cystocele Repair – as the pelvic floor weakens, the bladder can sometimes “give way” which can result in urinary incontinence, urinary retention, or the sensation of a “bulge” in the vagina. Our physicians are equipped to perform an anterior repair and raise the bladder and strengthen the pelvic muscles. This is performed vaginally and there are no external incisions, sutures or scars. See also... Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Laparoscopy – placing a scope in using 1-3 small incisions in the abdomen (less than 1cm each) to view the abdomen and pelvis. There are a wide variety of surgeries that can be done via laparoscopy. Some include:
- Diagnostic Laparoscopy – a generalized assessment of the abdomen and pelvis; usually to determine the source of pelvic pain. Occasionally scar tissue is seen and a lysis of adhesions is performed. A chromopertubation, in which dye is injected vaginally can also be performed to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes. These are two examples of Operative Laparoscopy. Other examples of procedures which our doctors regular perform include:

Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation – another means of preventing pregnancy in the future in which the fallopian tubes are cauterized (burned).
Laparoscopic Oophorectomy – minimally invasive removal of an ovary using the techniques mentioned above.
Laparoscopic Salpingectomy – minimally invasive removal of a fallopian tube using the techniques mentioned above.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy – minimally invasive removal of an ovarian cyst using the techniques mentioned above.
Laparoscopic Subtotal Hysterectomy – also known as supracervical or partial hysterectomy; the minimally invasive removal of the uterus only. The cervix is left behind. If the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed concurrently, the procedure is entitled Laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Laparoscopic Total Hysterectomy – the minimally invasive removal of the uterus and cervix. If the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed concurrently, the procedure is entitled Laparoscopic total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Laparoscopic Trachelectomy – the minimally invasive removal of the cervix only. This occurs after a supracervical/subtotal/partial hysterectomy has been performed at an earlier time and a situation arose in which the cervix needs to be removed.

Laparoscopic Emergency Surgery : our doctors are equipped to treat two significant gynecological emergencies in a minimally-invasive fashion. This will allow us to act fast, minimize blood loss and shorten your recovery time. They are:
- Laparoscopic Correction of Ovarian Torsion – if an ovarian cyst is large, it may twist on itself which compromises the blood flow and the health of the ovary. An emergent surgery is necessary. Sometimes the ovary is beyond repair and a laparoscopic oophorectomy must be performed. Occasionally the ovary can be de-torsed and saved.
- Laparoscopic Removal of Ectopic Pregnancy – in cases in which a pregnancy develops outside of the uterus (in the fallopian tube or ovary), a laparoscopic salpingectomy or oophorectomy, respectively, will be performed. If the pregnancy has ruptured and there is bleeding in the abdomen and pelvis, known as hemoperitoneum, our doctors are equipped to evacuate this in a minimally-invasive manner.
Operative Laparoscopy: Cystectomy (removal of cyst), Oophorectomy (removal of ovary), Salpingectomy (removal of fallopian tube)
Rectocele Repair – as the pelvic floor weakens, the rectum can sometimes “give way” which can result in fecal incontinence, fecal retention, or the sensation of a “bulge” in the vagina. Our physicians are equipped to perform a posterior repair and move the rectum back into place and strengthen the pelvic muscles. This is performed vaginally and there are no external incisions, sutures or scars.
Vaginal Hysterectomy – if the vagina is small enough, it often can be removed vaginally. The incisions are internal and no scars are seen.
Trachelectomy – removal of cervix