Useful Information

Minimally invasive surgery allows our physicians to use specific surgical techniques that limit the size and number of incisions that need to be made during a surgical procedure. As a result, they can perform surgery without cutting into a lot of skin and muscle, as is done with open gynecologic surgery. Less trauma to the muscles results in less pain, less blood loss, and quicker recovery times.

Minimally invasive surgical approaches can be faster, safer, and require less recovery time. Other potential benefits include

• Better cosmetic results from smaller skin incisions
• Less blood loss from surgery.
• Reduced risk of muscle damage due to reduced trauma to the muscles and soft tissues.
• Reduced risk of infection and postoperative pain.
• Faster recovery from surgery and less rehabilitation required.
• Diminished reliance on pain medications after surgery.

Depending on the baseline health of the patient, many minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis.

Typically, patients who undergo minimally invasive gynecologic surgery can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Oftentimes, patients can begin their physical therapy and recovery program sooner than patients who have had open gynecologic surgery, because their pain is less severe. Patients who have conventional (open) gynecologic surgery, typically, have a 6 week recovery period.