Gynecologic Minimally Invasive Surgery

Our experienced surgeons have advanced training and board certifications in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, which uses no or a few small incisions for better patient results. UT Southwestern Medical Center is recognized as one of the top centers in the country for expert care for a wide range of gynecologic conditions.

Latest Advances in Gynecologic Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is the use of less invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, to surgically treat gynecologic conditions. Minimally invasive techniques require no or only a few small incisions, rather than one large incision. Some of the procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, other may require a short hospital stay of one to two nights. 

Gynecologists and surgeons at UT Southwestern are national leaders in minimally invasive options to treat gynecologic conditions. Our physicians have specialized training and extensive expertise in techniques and technology such as robotic systems for minimally invasive gynecologic procedures. Our team can treat complex conditions, such as large fibroids and advanced endometriosis, that other centers cannot.

Conditions We Treat with Gynecologic Minimally Invasive Surgery

Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive gynecologic techniques, rather than open surgery. Our gynecologic surgeons have expertise in minimally invasive techniques to treat a wide range of gynecologic conditions, such as:

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Gynecologic cancers, such as cervical cancer, endometrial (uterine) cancer, and ovarian cancer
• Heavy bleeding and painful periods
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pelvic adhesions (painful scar tissue)
• Pelvic pain
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps

Types of Gynecologic Minimally Invasive Surgery

Our surgeons work closely with each patient to evaluate individual symptoms, overall health, and other factors to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery. The type of procedure that best suits a patient’s needs depends on the type of condition, the patient’s overall health, the symptoms, and other factors.

Our surgeons are accomplished in minimally invasive approaches such as:

• Laparoscopy: The surgeon makes 3 to 4 small incisions in the pelvic area to insert a laparoscope, a narrow tube with a lighted camera, and surgical instruments to access the surgical site.
• Vaginal technique: The surgeon makes a small incision in the vagina to access the surgical site.
• Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal technique: The surgeon accesses the surgical site using both laparoscopy and the vaginal approach.
• Robot-assisted laparoscopy: The surgeon uses a robotic system with a console that provides magnified, high-resolution 3D imaging of the surgical site, and controls arms with miniaturized instruments to perform a laparoscopy.
• Single port surgery: The surgeon performs laparoscopy with just one incision into the navel (belly button).
• Hysteroscopy: The surgeon inserts a hysteroscope, a narrow, lighted camera, and instruments through the cervix to access the uterus without incisions.

Using these minimally invasive gynecologic surgical approaches, our surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, such as:

• Cancer staging: Evaluation of cancerous tissue to determine whether it is in an early or a late stage, to help plan treatment
• Endometrial ablation: Procedure to destroy the endometrium to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding
• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and, in some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes
• Myomectomy: Removal of uterine fibroids and reconstruction of the uterus
• Ovarian cystectomy: Removal of ovarian cysts
• Resection and treatment of endometriosis: Removal of endometriotic implants and scar tissue with restoration of anatomy and functioning of organs
• Pelvic organ prolapse repair: Suspension or reattachment procedures to reposition prolapsed pelvic organs, such as in the case of a cystocele (bladder hernia) or rectocele (rectal hernia), back into their proper positions
• Cancer surgery: Removal of cancerous tumors from the cervix, uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs
• Tubal ligation: Sterilization by cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes to permanently prevent pregnancy
• Tubal reanastomosis: Procedure to reverse a tubal ligation by reconnecting the fallopian tubes