Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Sharp Mary Birch

The John and Carol Sachs Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns provides comprehensive, compassionate care in surroundings tailored to the comforts of women. 

Why Choose Sharp Mary Birch for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery?

• Rooms are private and include a sofa sleeper where a loved one can spend the night
• Sharp Mary Birch provides a quiet, restful environment for women recovering from gynecologic surgery
• We provide personalized care, and take patients’ preferences and concerns into account
• We use minimally invasive surgical techniques to make a few small — or no — incisions to minimize patients’ pain and scarring for a shorter hospital stay and quicker recover
• Whether you are in need of diagnostics or surgery, our staff and affiliated physicians offer the latest treatment options and technology

Conditions Treated
Minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical techniques are used to treat the following conditions:

The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Treatment
Many women delay treatment for bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort because they are concerned about the impact surgery will have on their lives. Conditions previously requiring a woman to undergo major surgery can now often be treated using less-invasive techniques.

During minimally invasive surgery, physicians use high-definition monitors to obtain 3-D visuals and utilize finely tuned instruments, which provide greater dexterity, precision and control during the operation. Because these procedures are performed through a few small — or without any — incisions they result in less pain and scarring, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to normal daily life.

Procedures
Minimally invasive and nonsurgical techniques used at the center include:

• Endometrial Ablation
  Endometrial ablation is a procedure that provides a solution to heavy periods by removing the endometrium — the inside lining of the uterus. This procedure generally does not require a hospital stay. This treatment is best suited for premenopausal women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding and who do not plan to have children in the future.
  
  
• Hysteroscopy
  Hysteroscopy is a technique used to examine the inside of the uterus. The hysteroscope is a thin instrument with a lens, light source and camera attached to one end that is inserted through the cervix. This allows very careful and thorough examination of the uterus. This technique is often used in diagnosis, biopsy of the uterus to check for cancerous growth or to treat an underlying problem such as the removal of small polyps or fibroids. Hysteroscopy can also be used for tubal sterilization.
  
  
• Laparoscopy
  A laparascope, used in laparoscopy procedures, consists of a long lens with a small video camera attached to it. The laparoscope is most often inserted through the belly button, providing the shortest distance from the skin to the inside of the abdominal cavity and easily hiding the incision site. Two to three additional small incisions allow for insertion of other instruments. Laparoscopic techniques can be used to diagnose and evaluate pelvic disorders (such as the presence of ovarian cysts), perform minimally invasive hysterectomies or tubal sterilization or treat endometriosis.
  
  
• Robotic Surgery
  Robotic surgery uses state-of-the-art technology that allows the surgeon’s hand movements to translate into extremely precise movements within the operative site. The magnified, three-dimensional view and small, robotic instruments enhance the surgeon’s ability to perform complex procedures through small incisions. Robotic surgery has proven to be effective for minimally invasive removal of fibroids, hysterectomies and for the treatment of gynecologic cancer.
  
  
• Vaginal-Approach Surgeries
  Vaginal-approach surgeries allow surgical intervention without incisions in the abdomen by performing the procedure directly through the vagina.
  Procedures such as hysterectomy, pelvic floor reconstruction and both pelvic floor and bladder prolapsed surgeries can be performed in this way.

Find a Sharp Mary Birch OBGYN
For help choosing the Sharp-affiliated doctor who is right for you, please call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277) or search for a San Diego OBGYN.