Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Many gynecological conditions and illnesses require surgical intervention. The board-certified physicians at Aishling Obstetrics & Gynecology employ conservative treatments whenever possible, but surgery is necessary in some instances.
Our physicians are specially trained in minimally invasive surgery. This technique offers a variety of benefits to patients that traditional surgery does not. We routinely perform hysterectomy using minimally invasive techniques.
Single Incision Robotic Hysterectomy
The benefits of single incision robotic hysterectomy include:
- Lower post-operative pain
- Less need for pain medications
- Fewer complications
- Less blood loss
- Shorter hospital stay and overall recovery
- Lower rate of conversion to open surgery
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy – What is Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Depending on your medical situation, the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes may also need to be removed. Each year, 600,000 women in the U.S. undergo a hysterectomy.
There are three types of hysterectomy, depending on the surgical approach: abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic.
- 60% of hysterectomies are abdominal
- 25% of hysterectomies are vaginal
- 15% of hysterectomies are laparoscopic
Hysterectomy becomes necessary due to a variety of health problems. Examples include:
- Fibroids – Usually non-cancerous lumps of muscle that can grow in/on the wall of the uterus.
- Abnormal Bleeding – Menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding) and metrorrhagia (bleeding from the uterus that is not associated with menstruation).
- Endometriosis – Pelvic pain due to uterine tissue growth in places other than the uterus.
- Pelvic Support Problems (Uterine Prolapse) – When the uterus descends from its normal position into the vagina.
- Uterine or Cervical Cancer
- Ovarian tumors
A laparoscopy is a type of surgery that avoids a large incision and instead uses small incisions (dime-size) in the abdomen for placement of advanced surgical devices. A laparoscope, which contains a fiber optic light and a magnifying video camera, is inserted through an incision in the navel to help the physician see inside the abdomen. The uterus, and possibly other organs, can be removed in pieces through these tiny incisions.
- Maintains pelvic floor support and reduces incontinence
- Less cutting and tissue manipulation
- Maintains sexual arousal/orgasm
- Less time in the hospital – one day or less
- Quicker recovery – 3-4 weeks
- Fewer complications after surgery
- Less pain and scarring
- Quick return to normal sexual activity
- Higher patient satisfaction
Gynecological Surgery in Dekalb & Kendall County, IL
If you suspect you may need surgery for a gynecological condition, schedule an appointment to speak with one of our expert OB/GYNs. Contact the Aishling Obstetrics & Gynecology office near you, or use our convenient Request an Appointment form. We proudly serve patients in Sandwich, Yorkville, and Plainfield, as well as the surrounding communities.
