How Minimally Invasive Surgery Has Revolutionized Women’s Health
Few techniques have revolutionized women’s health compared to minimally invasive surgeries. In the past, women were hesitant to go for surgery for fear of the risks involved. If you have a problem with your reproductive system that doesn’t respond to conservative approaches, McAllen minimally invasive surgery may be the best choice.
An overview of minimally invasive surgery
Minimally invasive surgery involves advanced techniques and equipment that minimize the number and size of incisions needed to perform a surgical procedure. Most medical experts recommend this type of surgery as it minimizes your recovery period and your stay at the hospital and causes minimal discomfort during recovery, compared to open surgery. In traditional surgery, your doctor creates a large incision to get access to the target body organ. Minimally invasive surgery, on the other hand, uses cameras, lights, and small tools that can penetrate through small incisions in your skin. Some minimally invasive procedures utilize robotic technology, allowing your surgeon precise control over the surgery.
Advanced laparoscopic surgery utilizes a thin tube with a camera and light to access the target site. It involves real-time imaging that gives your provider an excellent view of the treatment site and the surrounding tissues.
Upsides of minimally invasive surgery
There are several reasons why the team at the Women’s Clinic of The Rio Grande Valley recommends minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries as an alternative to open surgery. The experts offer several minimally invasive treatments like hysterectomy, endometrial ablation, tubal ligation, repair of congenital deformities, and removal of uterine fibroids. Benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:
- Less pain and discomfort
Considering that the incisions are small, post-operation pain is minimal compared to open surgery, meaning you’ll need minimal medications.
- Fewer internal scars
All surgeries often lead to scar tissue or adhesions inside the abdomen. These scars can affect your ability to conceive and cause bowel blockage or excruciating pain. Minimally invasive surgery results in minimal scar tissue, minimizing the side effects severity.
- Fewer external scars
Scars from minimally invasive surgery are usually smaller than those from open surgery. Laparoscopy requires only one incision in your belly button and three others in your lower belly, typically ¼ to ½ inch long. Hysteroscopies don’t cause scars because the surgical equipment goes through the neck of the womb into your uterus.
- Faster recovery
After minimally invasive surgery, you don’t need to stay overnight at the hospital, unlike in open surgery, where you must remain under observation for at least two days. Additionally, the surgery minimizes your risk of infection and blood clots.
Risks associated with minimally invasive surgery
As with robotic surgery, there is a high risk of infections around the surgery area. You can discuss with your doctor about robotic surgery to determine if it is the right option for you. Before surgery, ensure you’re in good health to prevent fatal complications. Sometimes, your surgery may switch to open surgery if endoscopic surgery restricts them from completing the procedure.
Call the Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley office or book an appointment online to learn more about minimally invasive surgery.