While minimally invasive outpatient GYN surgeries, including hysterectomies and myomectomies, are being performed routinely around the United States, more invasive open procedures are still being performed in hospitals at an alarming rate. More than 45% of hysterectomies are unnecessarily performed as open. These numbers can be improved drastically with better training for doctors and better information for patients.
In part, these numbers are so large because surgeries performed by non-fellowship trained physicians often begin as blind vaginal or laparoscopic procedures and have to be converted to open when the surgeon runs into a problem. In order to perform minimally invasive laparoscopic treatments with expert skill, gynecological specialists must train exclusively on these procedures for an additional 3 years after completion of medical school through intense fellowship programs.
Hysterectomies and myomectomies in outpatient settings can be the safest option, if you choose a fellowship-trained specialist.
DualPortGYN and LAAM are safer and more thorough minimally invasive techniques developed by the specialists at The Center for Innovative GYN Care. With two tiny incisions, CIGC specialists can perform all GYN procedures on an outpatient basis. Patients generally recover in days rather than weeks.
DualPortGYN procedures use 2 tiny 5MM incisions at the belly button and the bikini line. Surgeons are able to map the entire pelvic cavity and control blood loss through this advanced laparoscopic technique.
DualPortGYN has been the procedure of choice for thousands of cases of hysterectomy, cancer, endometriosis, pelvic masses, or prolapse. DualPortGYN combines the power of retroperitoneal dissection, uterine artery occlusion and only two 5MM incisions to create remarkable results. Keeping the incisions as small as possible leads to less pain, fewer complications, and a much faster recovery. DualPortGYN also avoids the use of controversial power morcellators, which are machines used to cut the uterus into small pieces in order to remove it laparoscopically. Surgeons at CIGC never use power morcellators, thereby eliminating any potential spread of cancer through fibroid removal.
LAAM procedures help women retain their uterus for fertility treatments with 2 small, cosmetically friendly incisions, while safely removing fibroids in an outpatient setting.
LAAM stands for Laparoscopic Assisted Abdominal Myomectomy. This is a safer way to remove fibroids to prepare women for fertility treatments. LAAM is a hybrid between laparoscopic and open approaches, and can be performed on any patient regardless of fibroid size, number, or location. LAAM also uses retroperitoneal dissection and bilateral uterine artery occlusion, a technique that controls blood loss during surgery and restores blood flow after surgery. Removal of the fibroids is accomplished through a small incision in the bikini line, usually no more than 1.5 inches in length, and a 5mm incision at the belly button. Women who choose fibroid removal with the LAAM myomectomy are able to return to work and their lives faster, because the recovery time is shorter.
Both of these procedures use retroperitoneal dissection at the beginning to allow the surgeons to control blood loss and map the pelvic cavity. This technique, helps the surgeons protect the rest of the organs and blood vessels, so that these areas are in clear view. Surgery is then accomplished quickly after this preventative measure has been performed, because there is no need to backtrack over areas that could be damaged using other procedures like single port vaginal hysterectomies or robotics.
When the delicate areas are protected from the beginning, risk during surgery is minimal, and skilled surgeons can work quickly. This is important, because the longer patients are under anesthesia, in the same position, there is a higher risk for blood clots. Both DualPortGYN and LAAM procedures are typically performed within an hour.
Open, invasive GYN procedures are unnecessary and create longer recovery times. There are better options for women, and doctors should be encouraging their patients to have procedures that are less invasive.
You can learn more from patients who have experienced DualPortGYN or LAAM through CIGC patient reviews.
Book a consultation with Dr. Paul MacKoul and Dr. Natalya Danilyants. Book a consultation at innovativegyn.com
Women who have gone through hysterectomies, and who have suffered with infertility due to gynecological conditions often find that getting support from others who have gone down similar paths helps in choosing a better GYN specialist, as well as aids in their recovery.
Groups like Red Hot Mamas and Hyster Sisters are helpful resources to get information and support on hysterectomies and menopause.
For endometriosis support groups, Nancy’s Nook Endometriosis discussion and education group on Facebook helps women find doctors in their area that have been vetted by members of the group.
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