Chicago gynecologist specializing in minimally invasive surgery for fibroids, endometriosis, and more
If you have been suffering from the symptoms of uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or other painful gynecologic issues, surgical treatment may be the only way to provide you with long-lasting relief. At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates in Chicago, Illinois, our team of gynecologists specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques to help restore your quality of life – with minimal scarring and faster recovery.
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a specialized procedure where a thin telescope called a hysteroscope is inserted into the vaginal opening to examine and treat abnormalities in the cervix or uterus. Sonohystogram may be recommended if you are experiencing problematic symptoms and it is unclear what the cause is.
If you have uterine fibroids or polyps, an operative hysteroscopy may be performed to remove the fibroids or polyps (a procedure called “myomectomy or polypectomy”). During this procedure, we gently remove the fibroids without causing damage to the healthy surrounding tissues. This treatment is a great option for patients who are still of childbearing age and does not involve surgical incisions or long recovery times. If the fibroids are not located inside the uterus, however, laparoscopic removal is often required.
Laparoscopic surgery
Traditional gynecological surgery involves opening the lower abdomen or pelvic cavity with a large incision and removing the problematic tissues (such as a cyst, fibroid, endometriosis, or scar tissue) or performing a hysterectomy or oophorectomy. While this is an effective way to treat a variety of conditions, open surgery typically has extensive recovery times and scarring, along with a chance of post-operative problems like infection.
With laparoscopic treatment, much smaller incisions are made. A telescopic rod lens system is used to transmit clear video images of the internal organs onto a computer screen, which the doctor uses to perform the procedure with precision and accuracy. With laparoscopic treatment, patients experience many benefits, including:
- Shorter recovery times
- Less bleeding during surgery
- Smaller incisions and scars
- Shorter hospital stays
- Reduced risk of exposure to contaminants during surgery and post-operative infection
- A lower-cost
Additionally, we are equipped with the da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System, which enables us to perform robotic hysterectomies with greater dexterity and precision using extremely high magnification.
Post-operative recovery
With any surgical treatment, including minimally invasive techniques, it is important to rest as needed and take care of yourself in the days following your procedure. We will give you all of the after-care information you need to heal rapidly and have a smooth recovery. This may include taking certain medications, avoiding sexual activity and the use of tampons for a specified amount of time, and going on gentle walks to help promote circulation and healing.
Your gynecologic care team
At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, we take pride in providing high-quality, specialized care for the women who visit our practice. We take the time to get to know you as a person and work collaboratively with you to determine the best treatment plan for your specific health needs and treatment preferences. To schedule your appointment at our office in Chicago, IL, call us at 312-440-9400 or book your appointment online today!
