Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is the current trend in all fields of surgery. Instead of large incisions with conventional operations, MIS involves the use of endoscopic devices and fine instruments through small incisions on the body wall. It allows for outpatient treatment or shorter hospital time, better cosmesis, less risk of internal scars (adhesions) and less post operative pain.

What is Endoscopic Gynaecological Surgery?

Endoscopic gynaecological surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to visualize the inside of your body cavity with the help of a telescope that is attached to a camera. You are first sedated or given an anaesthetic to reduce any discomfort after which surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions or through natural body opening to perform the surgery. Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures are endoscopic gynecological surgeries and therefore minimally invasive.

What is a Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that allows a look inside your abdomen.  It is used to diagnose and treat many conditions that affect women such as pelvic or abdominal pain, adhesions (scar tissue that attaches to organs), infertility, ectopic pregnancy etc. Some examples of procedures done by laparoscopy include, hysterectomy (removal of the womb), oopherectomy (removal of ovaries), myomectomy (removal of fibroids) treatment of endometriosis.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to identify and treat common gynaecological pathologies many of which can causeinfertility.  The procedure is performed using a hysteroscope – a small telescope with a camera, which is inserted into the uterus through the vagina. Fluid is typically used to distend the uterine cavity and to aid visibility.

Common pathologies treated 

1.Endometrial polyps

2.Fibroids in the cavity of the womb

3.Scarring or adhesions inside uterus

4. Abnormally formed uteri – present from birth

5. Abnormal bleeding

Benefits

• As hysteroscopy is done under direct vision, focal pathology is not missed which may occur with a Dilatation and Curettage
• Hysteroscopy  offers the opportunity to identify problems and treat at the same time
• Endometrial biopsies can be done to obtain more detailed  information to improve treatment 

When is a hysteroscopy performed?

Hysteroscopy is best performed in the first part of the menstrual cycle, usually a few days after the end of the menses. This timing will provide the best view of the inside the uterus.

Other surgeries done via endoscopy include:

• Diagnostic Laparoscopy
• Diagnostic Hysteroscopy   
• Operative Laparoscopy
• Operative Hysteroscopy