Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial Ablation is a treatment for women with heavy menstrual bleeding. It is generally viewed as an alternative to hysterectomy in certain patients who have not responded to medical therapy. There are certain clinical criteria that need to be met for you to safely undergo endometrial ablation. The physicians at Potomac Ob Gyn will be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for this minimally invasive procedure.
The surgery involves using different types of energy to cauterize the lining of the uterus. If successful this will either greatly decrease or eliminate menstrual bleeding. It is performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time. Due to the lasting effect on the lining of the uterus ablation is not recommended for women who might want to be pregnant in the future.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopic surgery involves inserting a camera and instruments through tiny incisions into the abdomen in order to visualize abdominal and pelvic organs. An increasing amount of gynecologic surgery can be done through this minimally invasive technique. The physicians at Potomac Ob Gyn are all able to perform laparoscopic surgery to treat most gynecologic problems. We will guide you through pre-operative counseling and evaluation, the day of surgery, and your post-operative recovery. Most laparoscopic surgery is “same day surgery” which means you will not have to spend the night in the hospital. Be sure to inquire about these procedures during your visit so we can explain all the different risks and benefits of laparoscopy.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is a procedure that involves surgically removing fibroids and then repairing the uterus in order to maintain the ability to successfully carry a child. Most women with fibroids have no symptoms at all. Sometimes fibroids will cause pain, bleeding and complications that necessitate medical treatment. When medical management is not effective your doctor might recommend a surgical approach.
Myomectomy can be performed through an open incision on the abdominal wall (called laparotomy), or through tiny incisions on the abdominal wall (laparoscopy). Alternatively, this surgery may be done through a transcervical approach with a special camera called a hysteroscope. A hysteroscopic myomectomy requires no incisions on your abdominal wall. At Potomac Ob Gyn, LLC, we are able to utilize advanced technology such as the daVinci surgical system to perform robotically assisted laparoscopic myomectomies, and the Myosure hysteroscopic system to resect and remove fibroid tissue. While the open incision approach will require a short hospital stay post operatively, some of the more minimally invasive approaches are done as outpatient procedures. Depending on the size and position of the fibroid tumors these advanced approaches may be appropriate for you. If you need a myomectomy we will be able to review all the risks and benefits of these different procedures with you.
Hysterectomy
Partial or total hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus. Our providers are able to utilize the daVinci surgical system to perform robotically assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy involves passing a camera through the cervix in order to visualize the inner lining of the uterus. There are many indications for hysteroscopic exploration of the uterus, including abnormal bleeding, fibroids, and the presence of endometrial polyps. This procedure can be both diagnostic and therapeutic at the same time. Your physicians at Potomac Ob Gyn, LLC are also able to use more advanced hysteroscopic techniques to perform myomectomies, Essure tubal occlusions and resections of endometrial lesions. One of the advantages of a hysteroscopic approach to surgery is that it can be done as an outpatient and has a fast recovery time.
daVinci Surgical System Robotic Surgery
Robotic Surgery with the daVinci Surgical System is essentially advanced laparoscopy. The daVinci robot is a computerized instrument that the surgeon controls to perform gynecologic surgery through tiny incisions. The advantages of the robotic system include a three dimension high definition view that can be zoomed to high magnification, better dexterity, and simultaneous control over 4 separate instruments including the camera.
Gynecologic procedures being performed with the daVinci system include hysterectomy, partial hysterectomy, myomectomy, and surgery for removal of endometriosis. Some of the advantages of this approach over the more traditional open incision methods are less post-operative pain, and a faster recovery. For patients in Montgomery County, be sure to ask us if daVinci Robotic surgery is indicated for you.