Eliminating open abdominal surgeries in major gynecological operations

Unfortunately, many women will undergo one (or more) major gynecological surgeries including hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), myomectomy (removal of fibroid tumors in the uterus), and sacrocolpopexy (repair of “fallen” pelvic organs). Most women assume that such surgery is done through an open abdominal incision but in fact, the vast majority of these surgeries could be accomplished using minimally invasive techniques.

Open surgery entails a multi-inch incision cutting through all six layers of the abdominal wall – skin, fat, two layers of fascia (natural “mesh”), muscle, and peritoneum (inner lining). It commonly also involves usage of a self retaining retractor which exerts additional strain on already cut abdominal wall layers, including its blood vessels and nerves. Additionally, the bowel is packed with moist sterile cloths during surgery, slowing down bowel function recovery after surgery. Even months or years after an open surgery, the incision may develop a hernia.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), which includes vaginal, laparoscopic and/or robotically assisted laparoscopic methods mostly avoids these problems. A well-trained gynecological surgeon can safely perform a hysterectomy, myomectomy or sacrocolpopexy using MIS regardless of uterine or fibroid size, adhesions and scar tissue, or obesity. Recovery time, pain severity and complication rates after MIS are half and sometimes a third of that of open surgery and cosmetic appearance is preserved as well.  

If you have been told you need a hysterectomy, fibroid surgery, or correction of pelvic prolapse, please contact us to learn if MIS is the best choice for you.

Author

Dr. Nathan Mordel, MD Nathan Mordel, MD, is a board-certified gynecological surgeon at Atlanta Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in advanced robotic, laparoscopic, vaginal pelvic surgery, including for fibroids, endometriosis, heavy and/or painful menstrual periods, pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary incontinence.