Myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, allowing a woman the option of having future children. The type of myomectomy that is performed depends on such factors as the size, location, and number of uterine fibroids. Myomectomy can be performed in several ways, including with a laparotomy, da Vinci® robotic surgery, laparoscopy, or hysteroscopy.
A laparotomy involves removing a uterine fibroid through an incision in the abdomen. During laparoscopy, Dr. To inserts a viewing instrument and surgical instruments through very small incisions to remove the fibroid. Laparoscopic surgery is associated with less bleeding, decreased risk of infection, and a faster recovery time than open incision surgery.
In some cases, uterine fibroids extend through to the inside the uterine cavity and need to be treated with hysteroscopic surgery. During a hysteroscopy, a viewing device and surgical instruments are inserted through the vagina and cervix and through to the inside of the uterus. The fibroids are destroyed with a laser or electrical current. Fibroids that are located extremely deep in the uterine wall may not be able to be removed, but they can be treated to help manage symptoms.
A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that may be used to identify abnormalities and diagnose disease. During the procedure, Dr. To inserts a thin lighted tube with a camera on the end (laparoscope) into the abdomen to view the pelvic organs. Only a small incision is required.
During laparoscopy, Dr. To can also perform surgery to treat endometriosis, remove uterine fibroids, remove ovarian cysts, perform a hysterectomy, remove an ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube, perform permanent sterilization by blocking the fallopian tubes, and treat uterine prolapse.
The recovery time for laparoscopic surgery is minimal. For minor procedures, you may be able to return to your normal activities within 1-2 days following surgery. For more complex procedures, it can take longer.
Visit our patient education library to learn more about laparoscopy.
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that may be used to diagnose and treat uterine conditions. It is most commonly used to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. During the procedure, Dr. To inserts a thin lighted tube with a camera on the end (hysteroscope) through your vagina and cervix into your uterus.
With the hysteroscope, Dr. To can view the inside of the uterus to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, such as uterine fibroids or polyps. If he finds any fibroids or polyps, Dr. To can remove them with an instrument inserted through the hysteroscope. He can also take a tissue sample for a biopsy, remove growths, or perform endometrial ablation using the Gynecare Thermachoice® method.
Because there are no incisions involved in the procedure, you can usually return to your normal activities the next day.
Common gynecologic conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, cancer, or pelvic prolapse can cause chronic pain and heavy bleeding. For women who experience these symptoms and for whom conservative treatment has failed, a hysterectomy – the surgical removal of the uterus – may be indicated. If performed as open surgery, this procedure can be painful, require a lengthy recovery (often up to 6 weeks), and leave a significant scar from the incision.
When performed with the da Vinci® Surgical System, however, hysterectomy is minimally invasive, requiring only a few tiny incisions (microsurgery) that will result in minimal scarring. Other potential benefits of the da Vinci hysterectomy over traditional surgical approaches include:
- Significantly less pain
- Less blood loss and need for transfusion
- Less risk of infection
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker recovery and return to normal activities
- Better outcomes and patient satisfaction, in many cases
Ask Dr. To if you might be a candidate for da Vinci hysterectomy. Visit our patient education library to learn more about hysterectomy.
NovaSure endometrial ablation (EA) is the simple,
one-time, five-minute procedure that has been used
to treat over two million women—without hormones
or hysterectomy.
The NovaSure procedure is for premenopausal
women with heavy periods due to benign causes
who are finished childbearing. Pregnancy following
the NovaSure procedure can be dangerous.
NovaSure endometrial ablation is not for those
who have or suspect uterine cancer; have an active
genital, urinary or pelvic infection or an IUD. Rare
but serious risks include thermal injury, perforation,
infection and other problems. Temporary side effects
may include cramping, nausea, vomiting, discharge
and spotting.
NovaSure endometrial ablation is not a sterilization procedure
and not for women who may be pregnant.
MonaLisa Touch offers a nonsurgical approach to deliver long-lasting relief that is typically felt immediately after the treatment. This simple and non-invasive in-office procedure requires no more than 10 minutes per treatment and has little to no discomfort. Patients have seen overwhelming positive and immediate results.
The laser works by stimulating collagen production in the interlining of the vagina - improving the health and pliability of the vaginal mucosa. It’s a specialized CO2 fractional laser that’s specifically designed to treat atrophic or thin sensitive vaginal wall. The laser has unique characteristics of penetrating light or laser energy deep into the layers of the vaginal wall in such a way that it stimulates collagen and returns the vaginal tissue to a state that was present prior to the changes induced by menopause or other conditions.