Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques in Gynecology

Minimally invasive surgical techniques, also known as minimally invasive surgery, are methods that allow surgical procedures to be performed with less intervention on the body. In the field of gynecology and obstetrics, minimally invasive surgical techniques are becoming increasingly common. In this article, I will discuss common minimally invasive surgical methods such as laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, their advantages, areas of application, and the benefits they offer to patients.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery 

First and foremost, it is important to mention the advantages of minimally invasive surgical techniques over open surgery. These techniques offer numerous benefits that are significant for both patients and us, as surgeons.

Advantages for Patients:

• Less Pain: Since the incisions made in minimally invasive surgery are much smaller, postoperative pain is significantly reduced.
• Faster Recovery: Thanks to smaller incisions and minimally invasive techniques, the recovery time is considerably shorter compared to open surgical methods.
• Reduced Risk of Infection: Since smaller incisions are used in minimally invasive methods, the risk of surgical infection is naturally reduced.
• Less Bleeding: During minimally invasive procedures, there is significantly less bleeding compared to open methods.
• Shorter Hospital Stay: Postoperative hospital stays are generally shorter with minimally invasive methods.

Advantages for Surgeons:

• Better Visualization: Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy allow us, as surgeons, to view organs in a magnified and detailed manner, which increases the success rate of the surgery.
• Fewer Complications: The risk of complications is much lower in minimally invasive methods compared to open procedures.
• Higher Patient Satisfaction: The significantly reduced postoperative pain, shorter recovery and discharge times, and the minimal or invisible scars after surgery contribute to higher patient satisfaction.

Types of Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques 

Now, let's take a look at the types of minimally invasive surgical techniques. We, as gynecology and obstetrics specialists, use two main methods: Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy. Laparoscopy is used for intra-abdominal procedures, while hysteroscopy is employed for intrauterine procedures.

1. Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive Technique Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical method used to examine and perform surgical procedures on the organs in the abdomen and pelvic region. It is performed using a thin, long tube called a laparoscope, which is equipped with a camera. During the procedure, several small incisions are made in the abdominal wall, through which the laparoscope and other surgical instruments are inserted. The laparoscope allows the surgeon to view the organs in a magnified and detailed manner on a monitor.
   • Endometriosis

Applications of Laparoscopy:

• Ovarian cysts
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory diseases
• Myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids)
• Tubal sterilization (tubal ligation)
• Infertility investigations

1. Hysteroscopic Minimally Invasive Technique Hysteroscopy is another minimally invasive method used to examine the inside of the uterus and perform surgical interventions. A thin device called a hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. This device is equipped with a camera and a light source to visualize the inside of the uterus.

Applications of Hysteroscopy:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Uterine polyps and fibroids
• Septum (uterine septum) repair
• Infertility evaluation and treatment
• Removal of intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Treatment of Asherman syndrome (intrauterine adhesions)

In Conclusion… 

Minimally invasive surgical techniques in gynecology are one of the most significant innovations offered by modern medicine. Methods such as laparoscopy and hysteroscopy not only enhance patient comfort but also increase surgical success rates. With advancing technology, these techniques are becoming more widespread and finding new areas of application. The future of minimally invasive surgery in gynecology and obstetrics heralds a period where patients experience less pain, recover faster, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Wishing you healthy days,

Assoc. Prof. Pervin Karlı
Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist