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Pelvic Pain Specialists at CIGC

Pelvic pain is a common symptom that can have many different causes. If you’ve experienced any type or duration of pelvic pain that has affected your quality of life, finding the underlying cause can give you the most effective path to pain relief. 

CIGC specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating gynecological conditions that are often the cause of pelvic pain. Because gynecological conditions account for at least half of all cases of severe pelvic pain in women, it’s important to be evaluated by a GYN specialist before exploring alternative avenues of treatment. 

At CIGC, our pelvic pain specialists are trained to treat these conditions with minimally invasive surgery. Every woman should be able to live a pain-free life without symptoms like pelvic pain getting in the way. That’s why we’re committed to the safest techniques with the best outcomes. We want to get you back to your life as soon as possible. 

What Is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain is characterized by sharp or dull pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis. It can be constant or intermittent and range from mild to severe. In some cases, pain can radiate to the lower back, buttocks or thighs.  

Organs that can contribute to pelvic pain when they are not functioning properly include the intestines, the bladder, the reproductive organs and the pelvic muscles and joints. No matter what you may have been told, severe or chronic pelvic pain is not normal. 

For women who are concerned about their duration or level of pelvic pain, it’s best to discuss your symptoms with a GYN specialist to rule out any conditions that may be contributing to pain. For those diagnosed with a GYN condition that is likely causing pelvic pain, the specialists at CIGC can help you find relief. 

Pelvic Pain Treatment Options

Because there are many different causes of pelvic pain, treatment options will vary widely.  

Pelvic pain from fibroids: These noncancerous growths in the uterus can put pressure on pelvic organs, causing pain that increases as fibroids grow. Pelvic pain on the right or left side of your pelvis could indicate the location of a fibroid. Fibroids causing pelvic pain can be surgically removed through a myomectomy or hysterectomy.

Pelvic pain from endometriosis: This condition causes tissue from the uterus to grow outside of it. Many women with endometriosis report chronic pelvic pain as one of their main symptoms. Endometriosis excision is the most effective treatment for the condition. 

Pelvic pain from ovarian cysts: These fluid-filled pockets can grow on one or both ovaries, causing dull or sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen. For best pain relief results, ovarian cysts should be surgically removed. 

Pelvic pain from adenomyosis: This condition causes tissue from the uterus to grow into the uterine wall. Women with adenomyosis typically have severe pelvic pain associated with heavy bleeding during their cycle. The recommended treatment for adenomyosis is a minimally invasive hysterectomy. 

In some cases, pelvic pain can be relieved through nonsurgical methods offered in The CIGC Wellness CenterThese methods may include pelvic floor physical therapy, acupuncture, physical training, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling and pain management. Speak with an expert about the best treatment for your needs. 

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Why CIGC?

Award-Winning Gynecological Surgery Center

CIGC is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Surgery by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL).

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Advanced Techniques

If your pelvic pain is being caused by a condition that requires surgery to treat, you’re in great hands with the surgical specialists at CIGC. Our techniques are advanced minimally invasive surgical methods that are performed outside of a hospital. Patients can return home the same day to get a head start on their recovery. 

Compared to open, robotic and standard laparoscopic techniques for GYN surgeries, CIGC surgical specialists use fewer and smaller incisions to minimize scarring and avoid any potential complications, resulting in a much faster recoveryYou don’t have to live with pelvic pain. Our surgical specialists will evaluate your individual case and design a customized treatment plan to give you the care you deserve. 

DualPortGYN Procedure Standard Laparoscopic Robotic Open
Length of Procedure 30 min–1 Hour1 2–3 Hours2,3,4 2–3 Hours2,3,9 1–2 Hours3,9
Number of Incisions 2 (5 mm)1 4 (5 mm)5 3–7 (8–12 mm)1,10 1 Large (10–15 cm)12,13
Hospital Stay 0 Days1 0–1 Day1,6,7 1–2 Days7,11 3 Days3,7
Recovery Time About 1 Week1 Up to 3 Weeks8 Up to 6 Weeks1 Up to 8 Weeks8,14

Success Stories

Hear from patients who found relief from pelvic pain after procedures at CIGC: 

Always go for a second opinion. There’s been so much innovation in the health care industry. The old way surgeries were done is not necessarily the way they’re done now. The way your mother or grandmother recovered is not necessarily going to have to be the way you recover because there are far more options now.” — LaNail

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I went home the same day and there was never any pain from the actual surgery at all. Even with the incisions, there are no scars. I feel like a totally different woman. I don’t have to hold back. I can plan my life.” — Kia

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I was constantly focusing on my pain and wondering if other people could see me in pain. I feel free now.” — Tasha

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Our Doctors

Our surgical specialists are experts in identifying and treating any potential causes of pelvic pain. If a GYN condition like fibroids or endometriosis is diagnosed, they can help you find lasting relief in the most effective way possible. Women travel from all around the world for minimally invasive surgery with our GYN specialty surgeons. 

Laparoscopic GYN Surgeon

Our Centers

CIGC’s pelvic pain specialists perform minimally invasive procedures at ambulatory surgery centers. These centers are not attached to a hospital, so patients can have outpatient surgery and go home the same day. With convenient locations near major cities like Washington, D.C., and New York City, each center is fully set up with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed with friendly, compassionate employees who are ready to help you on your path to healing. 

We follow CDC guidelines to ensure the enhanced cleanliness and safety of each center. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering telemedicine consultations in addition to in-person appointments to discuss the treatment options that are available to you. 

References

 

1Danilyants N, MacKoul P, Baxi R, van der Does LQ, Haworth LR. Value-based assessment of hysterectomy approaches. JOGR. 2018.

2Pasic et al. Comparing Robot-Assisted with Conventional Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Impact on Cost and Clinical Outcomes. JMIG. 2010 17 (6): 730-738

3Landeen LB, Bell MC, Hubert HB, Bennis LY, Knutsen-Larson SS, Seshadri-Kreaden U. Clinical and cost comparisons for hysterectomy via abdominal, standard laparoscopic, vaginal and robot-assisted approaches. South Dakota Medicine 2011; 64(6): 197-199

4Drahonovsky J., Haakova L., Otcenasek M., Krofta L., Kucera E., and Feyereisl J.: A prospective randomized comparison of vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and total laparoscopic hysterectomy in women with benign uterine disease. EJOGRB 2010; 148: pp. 172-176

5Einarsson, J. I., & Suzuki, Y. (2009). Total laparoscopic hysterectomy: 10 steps toward a successful procedure. Reviews in obstetrics & gynecology, 2(1), 57-64.

6Paraiso MF, Ridgeway B, Park AJ, et al. A randomized trial comparing conventional and robotically assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy. AJOG. 2013;208(5):368.e361–367.

7Wright KN, Jonsdottir GM, Jorgensen S, Shah N, Einarsson JI. Costs and outcomes of abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies. JSLS. 2012;16(4):519-24.

8Aarts JWM, Nieboer TE, Johnson N, Tavender E, Garry R, Mol BWJ, Kluivers KB. Surgical approach to hysterectomy for benign gynaecological disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD003677.

9Schmitt, J. J., Carranza Leon, D. A., Occhino, J. A., Weaver, A. L., Dowdy, S. C., Bakkum-Gamez, J. N., Pasupathy, K. S., Gebhart, J. B. (2017). Determining Optimal Route of Hysterectomy for Benign Indications: Clinical Decision Tree Algorithm. Obstetrics and gynecology, 129(1), 130-138.

10Mayo Clinic

11Paraiso MF, Ridgeway B, Park AJ, et al. A randomized trial comparing conventional and robotically assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy. AJOG. 2013;208(5):368.e361–367.

12Yeung P, Bolden C et al. Patient Preferences of Cosmesis for Abdominal Incisions in Gynecologic Surgery. JMIG. 2013; 20(1): 79-84

13Jones, H. W., III, & Rock, J. A. (2015). Te Linde’s operative gynecology (Eleventh edition). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.

14Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, London, UK.