Minimally Invasive Gynecology Specialist

What is minimally invasive gynecology?

Minimally invasive gynecology is an approach to treating conditions affecting the female reproductive system that causes minimum tissue damage. Advantages of a minimally invasive approach over more traditional methods of surgery include:

• Less pain
• Reduced blood loss
• Fewer complications
• Less time in hospital
• Speedier recovery
• Less chance of infection
• Smaller scars
• Better outcomes

At Atlanta Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Center, the team uses minimally invasive procedures wherever possible to benefit patients and hasten their recovery.

What minimally invasive gynecological procedures are there?

The team at Atlanta Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Center performs a number of gynecologic treatments and diagnostic procedures using minimally invasive approaches. These include:

Cryoablation

Cryoablation (Her Option®) is a minimally invasive, safe, in-office procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus via freezing. The procedure takes about 25-35 minutes, and the recovery time is less than one hour. 

After three months, patients’ periods are expected to be absent or lighter with shorter duration and significantly less cramping. This effect is typically permanent. 

Thermal endometrial ablation

Thermal endometrial ablation is similar to uterine cryoablation, but the uterine lining is destroyed with a device supplying heat energy instead of using a freezing probe. Sometimes this method is limited by the size and shape of the uterus. Patient satisfaction and therapeutic effects are similar. 

Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a minor procedure performed in the office which looks more closely at the cervix with a microscope and sometimes includes a cervical biopsy and/or an endocervical curettage.

Occasionally, high-grade dysplasia (CIN2-3) is discovered and a patient needs a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). A LEEP procedure removes a piece of the outer portion of the cervix to eradicate the disease. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia (numbing of the cervix) in the office and is 90-95% curative.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy

A diagnostic hysteroscopy involves inserting a slender flexible hysteroscope into the uterus via the vaginal canal. A small amount of sterile saline is used to expand the uterine cavity so we can see if any polyps or fibroids are visible. 

Since the scope is so slender, only oral or intramuscular pain-relieving medications and local anesthesia to numb the cervix are usually needed. The procedure only takes about 5-10 minutes. There is no significant recovery time needed, and patients can resume normal activities immediately. 

Pelvic transvaginal ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that may be indicated at your office visit. Indications for pelvic ultrasound are many, including pelvic fullness, uterine enlargement, or a pelvic mass that’s felt during your exam. A transvaginal ultrasound may also be used to follow fibroids, ovarian cysts, or abnormal uterine bleeding over time. The physicians at Atlanta Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Center can perform their own ultrasounds at your visit. 

What minimally invasive gynecological surgeries are there?

The team specializes in minimally invasive gynecological surgeries, including:

• Laparoscopic hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic myomectomy
• Operative hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopic excision of benign ovarian tumors
• Suburethral sling placement
• Colpectomy/colpocleisis
• Tubal ligation

Most gynecological procedures can now be done using minimally invasive techniques, improving patient safety and optimizing their outcomes. Call Atlanta Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Center today to find out more or book an appointment online.