Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) allows physicians to operate with less patient trauma and pain, minimal scarring, faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. Surgeries are performed through small incisions, rather than large incisions used in conventional open surgeries.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which small incisions (3-10 mm wide) are made, typically one in the naval, which is the most common site for the scope (laparoscope) to be inserted. Two or three smaller incisions may be made along the sides of the abdomen, for the passage of highly specialized surgical instruments. Attached to the end of the laparoscope is a light source and a camera  which transmits images from inside the patients abdomen to television screens for the surgeon and the surgical team to view in high resolution.

Why Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopic surgery treats a variety of gynecologic conditions, including:

Benefits of Laparoscopy

The benefits of laparoscopy include smaller incisions, shorter recovery time, and less pain and scar tissue.  Recovery depends upon the procedure performed and the severity of the condition. Generally, patients can return to normal activity with few restrictions 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Read about Mini-Laparoscopy by Dr. Ceana Nezhat

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows the physician to look inside your uterus in order to diagnose or treat uterine problems. This procedure is done using a hysteroscope, a thin, telescopic instrument that is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. Hysteroscopy is minor surgery performed either in your physician’s office or in a hospital setting. It can be performed with local or general anesthesia. Sometimes no anesthesia is needed. There is little risk involved with this procedure for most women.

Why perform a hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is used to diagnose some uterine abnormalities, such as abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, repeated miscarriages, adhesions, fibroid tumors, polyps, or to locate displaced intrauterine devices (IUDs).

The most common reason for a hysteroscopy is to diagnose and treat certain conditions such as uterine adhesions, septums, or fibroids which can often be removed through the hysteroscope.

When should a hysteroscopy be performed?

The best time for hysteroscopy is during the first week or so after your period. During this time your physician is best able to view the inside of the uterus.

How is an in-office, diagnostic hysteroscopy performed?

To prepare for diagnostic hysteroscopy, the physician uses an antiseptic in the vagina followed by the numbing of the cervix to prevent discomfort during dilation, extending the cervix for better visualization. A tiny video camera and light are attached to the hysteroscope to see inside the uterus. Meanwhile, fluid flows into the uterus for inflation, allowing your doctor to clearly see any fibroids, polyps or other abnormalities, which may cause bleeding. An endometrial biopsy may be taken, which is a tissue sample sent to pathology for testing.

What are the risks of hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is a relatively safe procedure. Complications occur in less than 1% of patients and are rarely severe. Hysteroscopy allows physicians to diagnose and treat many disorders without a hospital stay.

Robotics

The use of robotics advances MIS techniques into a new era, further minimizing the impact of surgery on patients. Robotic technology introduces precise, versatile instrument movement combined with three-dimensional visualization of the operative site.

Dr. Ceana Nezhat is one of the foremost authorities in minimally invasive techniques, with a specialized focus on endometriosis and the utilization of robotic-assisted laparoscopy. The evolution of his techniques continues to improve patient options and overall outcomes by modifying traditional surgical procedures through the advancement of smaller incisions in MIS.

The daVinci® Si-HD with 3D High Definition (HD) surgical robotic system is used when needed by Dr. Nezhat. It is the most advanced platform for robotic-assisted laparoscopy available today. By integrating computer-enhanced technology with surgical skill, this advanced robotic system enables well trained physicians 21st century technology to patients in the operating room.

This system  3D HD vision coupled with Dr. Nezhat’s surgical skill affords patients suffering from rare and complex diseases minimally invasive options for complex surgical procedures.

Benefits

Robotic surgery offers benefits to both the physician and patient.

Surgical Benefits:

  • Magnified 3D visualization for optimum viewing within the operative site
  • Increased precision, control and range of motion of micro-instruments
  • Improved access to and manipulation of organs, tissues and nerves

Patient Benefits:

  • Shorter hospitalization
  • Potentially reduced pain
  • Rapid recovery
  • Smaller incisions, resulting in reduced risk of infection, less blood loss and minimal scarring
  • Patients resume normal activities sooner

Emotional Healing

For many women, a hysterectomy is often associated with feelings of loss and emotional distress. In addition to the benefits above, robotic surgery translates into faster physical healing, so patients can focus on their emotional healing as well.  At Nezhat Medical Center, we are sensitive to these needs, and strive to make every aspect of treatment as positive and successful as possible.