Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Causes and Symptoms

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, often growing on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or pelvic lining. The cause of endometriosis is unknown, but genetics, hormones and immune system issues may be contributing factors.

Women with endometriosis may experience:

• Pelvic pain, especially during periods
• Heavy periods
• Pain during sex
• Infertility
• Fatigue

Diagnosis and Treatment

Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose, but you don’t have to live with pain and discomfort. It’s helpful to keep track of the symptoms you experience to share with your provider. A minimally invasive laparoscopy may be recommended to diagnose and remove endometrial tissue.

Causes and Symptoms

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus. Hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors or a family history of fibroids may increase the likelihood of developing fibroids.

Fibroids do not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often include:

• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Back pain

Available Treatments

• Lifestyle changes: Depending on the presence or severity of symptoms, your provider may suggest changes in nutrition, activity level or stress management to see if symptoms improve.
   
• Management with Medication: Your provider may prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms caused by your fibroid(s).
   
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Minimally invasive procedures offer patients treatment options with shorter recovery times, smaller incisions and often no hospital stay. Your provider will help you choose the best treatment for you.
  • Hysterectomy – A surgeon will remove the uterus using Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery. This procedure is performed through the vagina, with no incisions on the abdomen.
  • Laparoscopic Myomectomy – A surgeon uses several small incisions in the abdomen to ccess the uterus and remove the fibroid(s).
  • Acessa – This laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation procedure uses heat to shrink fibroids and relieve symptoms.
  • Uterine Fibroid Embolization – An interventional radiologist performs this procedure, which block blood flow to shrink fibroids and relieve symptoms. A surgeon uses a surgical robot and several small incisions, a surgeon removes the fibroid(s).
     
• Open Surgical Procedures
  • Hysterectomy (removal of uterus)
  • Myomectomy (removal of fibroid)
     

Causes and Symptoms

Prolapse is the falling of pelvic floor organs including the vagina, uterus, bladder or rectum. This happens when weakened connective tissues or muscles can’t hold the pelvis in its natural position. Prolapse often occurs after childbirth or menopause.

These symptoms may be signs of pelvic prolapse:

• Feeling of pressure or bulging in the vagina
• Urinary issues
• Difficulty with bowel movements
• Discomfort during sex

Available Treatments

There are many surgical and non-surgical options for treatment of pelvic prolapse, dependent on the severity of prolapse and your personal health goals.

Surgical

• Colpocleisis – A procedure to close off the vaginal canal, typically done for women who no longer wish to have vaginal intercourse, to treat severe pelvic organ prolapse
• Sacrocolpopexy – A surgery that uses a mesh to support the vagina or uterus by attaching it to the sacrum (lower backbone) to correct prolapse
• Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation – A vaginal surgery that anchors the top of the vagina to a strong ligament in the pelvis to treat prolapse
• Uterosacral Ligament Plication – Tightening the uterus-supporting ligaments to help lift and support the pelvic organs
• Vaginal Cystocele/Rectocele Repair – Repairing weakened tissue between the vagina and bladder (cystocele) or between the vagina and rectum (rectocele) to reduce bulging and improve function

Non-Surgical

• Pelvic Floor Therapy – Exercises and techniques guided by a physical therapist to strengthen pelvic muscles, improve bladder/bowel control, and reduce pelvic discomfort
• Pessary – A removable device placed in the vagina to support pelvic organs and reduce symptoms of prolapse or incontinence

Learn more about incontinence.