Pelvic pain can be caused by several conditions, including:

• endometriosis – a condition where tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus develops outside of your uterus
• pelvic adhesions – scar tissue inside your body caused by a previous surgery or inflammation
• uterine fibroids, or non-cancerous growths in your uterus

There are two main minimally invasive options in gynecologic surgery.

Hysteroscopy

Also known as no-incision surgery, this involves reaching the surgical site through the vagina and cervix. Hysteroscopy is common for surgeries affecting the uterus.

Laparoscopic

This requires making tiny incisions in the abdomen to reach the reproductive organs. Carbon dioxide gas is used to gently inflate the belly to make it easier to see organs and maneuver surgical tools. Surgeons insert tiny cameras, lights, and surgical instruments through the incisions. The camera and lights allow for a better viewing of the inside of the body as the surgery is performed. Sometimes doctors use a surgical robot to increase their ability to reach and move the instruments within the body. This is called robot-assisted surgery. 

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia, meaning you will be “asleep” during the procedure. Your Dignity Health gynecologist or surgeon will explain your procedure to you well in advance to help you feel comfortable and as prepared as possible for the procedure.

Our surgeons can perform gynecologic procedures using minimally invasive approaches, such as laparoscopy or da Vinci robot. With our minimally invasive procedures, you will have:

• a shorter hospital stay (one day in most cases versus three to five days)
• fewer complications and decreased risk of infection
• less scarring (small, dime-sized incisions versus a 6- to 8-inch scar)
• quicker recovery and return to normal activities (within two weeks versus eight weeks)
• significantly reduced post-operative pain (often only over-the-counter pain medications are required)