Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive surgery in which the surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a laparoscope to view inside the abdominal cavity. Using attached optics, the surgeon can see an enhanced image through the end of the thin metal rod, which also illuminates the area inside the abdomen. The laparoscope also uses various attachments, such as scissors, a laser, or a scalpel, to perform different surgeries including:
- Myomectomy
- Removal of ovarian cysts
- Removal of endometriosis
- Tubal Ligation
Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include small incisions, minimal pain, faster recovery time and less scarring.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is commonly known as "having your tubes tied". Many women choose tubal ligation as a permanent method of preventing pregnancy. Tubal ligations are performed as outpatient surgery using general anesthesia.
During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen. Using a small instrument, the patient''s fallopian tubes are blocked in order to prevent the egg from travelling from the ovaries. There are several different ways of blocking the tubes, including cutting, banding, clipping or stitching.
Following the surgery, patients may experience some soreness and spotting. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help alleviate discomfort and will give you post-surgical instructions.
Hysterectomy
The surgical procedure to remove a woman''s uterus is called a hysterectomy. During the procedure, the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are also removed. Your doctor may recommend having a hysterectomy if you have one of the following conditions:
- Abnormal bleeding
- Endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Uterine fibroids
A hysterectomy is considered a hospital inpatient procedure and is performed under general anesthesia. The average hysterectomy takes one to two hours to perform. Recovery time in the hospital will range from one to four days, depending on your case. Total recovery time depends on the type of hysterectomy you have – open or laparoscopic.