Surgical advancements are improving outcomes in gynecology.
Understanding Gynecologic Surgery
Gynecologic surgery refers to any surgical procedure that involves the female pelvic and reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. Advancements in surgical technologies and techniques have made it possible to effectively treat a wide variety of gynecologic conditions such as fibroids, abnormal bleeding, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, cervical dysplasia, and uterine polyps.
Treatment Options
There are many advanced, minimally invasive procedures available today, some of which can be performed in-office. These include:
- Endometrial ablation, which removes a thin layer of the lining of the uterus to treat heavy menstrual bleeding
- Hysteroscopy, a diagnostic procedure where the surgeon views the inside of the uterus to identify the cause of abnormal bleeding
- Myomectomy, a surgery that removes uterine fibroids, noncancerous tumors that grow in the uterus
- Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), a quick in-office treatment that removes abnormal cells from the cervix
- Colposcopy, an exam that checks the cervix for signs of precancerous or cancerous tissue
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery can perform more complex procedures such as a hysterectomy – the surgical removal of the uterus. This approach uses state-of-the-art robotic technology controlled by a surgeon to perform precise procedures through small incisions using magnified, 3D imaging.
Benefits and Outlook
Your doctor can help determine whether gynecologic surgery is right for you, whether it’s a quick, in-office procedure or a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive surgery offers many benefits, including:
- Shorter hospital stays
- Quicker recovery
- Lower costs
- Reduced pain and scarring
- Faster return to normal activities
An Expert Weighs In
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in advertising with the distinction of summa cum laude and served as editor-in-chief of the university’s biannual magazine, The Vindagua. After graduation, Rachel joined CMC Media & Marketing Group as an editor. Today, she serves as managing editor and is responsible for leading the editorial team in the development and completion of content for 17 publications involving health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville® – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. In addition to writing, editing, and coordinating copy, Rachel oversees networking and reputation management for the company’s publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, attending concerts, trying new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.
