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Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Procedures

UPMC Content 2

At the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, we use a tiny video camera and surgical tools to perform two types of procedures:

  • Laparoscopic — inserting the camera and tools through small incisions in the abdomen.
  • Hysteroscopic — inserting the camera and tools into the uterus through the vagina without making incisions.

Our gynecologic surgeons provide many minimally invasive procedures on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return to your normal daily routine sooner.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

About: Diagnostic laparoscopy helps surgeons:
Type of procedure: Outpatient laparoscopic under general anesthesia.

Endometrial Ablation

About: Endometrial ablation allows surgeons to remove:
Type of procedure: Usually outpatient hysteroscopic under sedation.

Excision of Endometriosis

About: Surgeons remove, or excise, areas of visible endometriosis.
Type of procedure: Outpatient laparoscopic under general anesthesia.

Hysterectomy

About: Hysterectomy is a procedure to remove a woman’s uterus, or womb.
  • Supracervical hysterectomy removes the uterus only.
  • Total hysterectomy removes both the uterus and cervix.
  • Only in certain instances do surgeons suggest removing the ovaries since they produce estrogen that's good for bone and heart health.
Type of procedure: Outpatient or inpatient laparoscopic (depending on any other health issues) under general anesthesia.

Hysteroscopy

About: Surgeons use hysteroscopy to:
  • Look at the inside of the uterus to diagnose or treat health problems, such as lack of periods (amenorrhea), infertility, and post-menopausal or abnormal bleeding.
  • Find and remove growths, such as polyps or fibroids.
Type of procedure: Outpatient hysteroscopic under sedation.

Myomectomy

About: Surgeons perform myomectomy to remove fibroids from:
  • Inside the uterus — through the vagina without any incisions (hysteroscopy).
  • Outside the uterus — through one or more small incisions in the abdomen (laparoscopy).
Type of procedure: Outpatient hysteroscopic or laparoscopic under general anesthesia.

Ovarian Cystectomy

About: Ovarian cysts do not always require treatment.

Surgeons may perform ovarian cystectomy to remove a cyst from an ovary when it:
  • Is large
  • Causes pain
  • Appears suspicious
Type of procedure: Outpatient laparoscopic under general anesthesia.

Presacral Neurectomy

About: Used to treat pelvic pain — including painful periods, adenomyosis, and endometriosis — presacral neurectomy involves removing a portion of the nerves that transmit pain signals from the uterus to the brain.​
Type of procedure: Outpatient laparoscopic under general anesthesia.

Suspension Surgery (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair)

About: At the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, we offer a wide range of minimally invasive surgical suspension procedures to repair pelvic organ prolapse.
Type of procedure: Your doctor can recommend the best type for your unique needs.

Tubal Ligation

About: Often called “tying the tubes,” this permanent sterilization method to close the Fallopian tubes is for women who do not wish to become pregnant.
Type of procedure: Outpatient laparoscopic under general anesthesia.

Make an Appointment at the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Contact the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at 412-641-6412 to make an appointment at:

University of Pittsburgh Physicians Division of Gynecologic Specialties
Magee-Womens Hospital UPMC
300 Halket St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

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