In the early 1970s, gynecologists were the first surgeons to use minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy for abdominal surgery. Today, Cooper surgeons use laparoscopy for many types of gynecological surgeries that used to require a large abdominal incision; with laparoscopy, they make three small incisions (cuts), each measuring less than one-half inch.
A laparoscope is a small telescope that is inserted into the abdomen through one of those small incisions. It brings light into the abdomen so the surgeon can see inside. He / she can repair the problem by inserting tiny surgical instruments through the other incisions in the abdomen.
Laparoscopy can be used for ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy), hysterectomy and infertility procedures, and some gynecologic cancers. It results in much less pain than traditional surgery, dramatically reducing the need for strong pain medications and the drowsiness, fatigue, and unsteadiness that accompany these medications. Recovery is also much faster; for example, patients can resume their normal activity within 2 weeks of laparoscopic removal of an ovarian cyst, compared to 4 to 6 weeks with traditional surgery.
Laparoscopy is sometimes done as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia. Sometimes an overnight stay in the hospital is necessary.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Gynecologic Cancers
Gynecologic cancers are usually treated by surgery, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Over the past 10 years, reducing treatment-related side effects and improving "quality-of-life" for women with gynecologic cancers has been a major focus. Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery reduces the extent of surgery necessary to treat gynecologic cancers, allowing many patients to spend less time in the hospital and providing a faster return to normal activities.
Several minimally invasive procedures are used for gynecological cancers. Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy can be done for endometrial cancer, the most common type of gynecologic cancer, on some women. Using the laparoscopic, the surgeon can begin the procedure from the abdomen. If necessary, he/she can also take a sample of the lymph node. He/she completes the procedure vaginally.
For patients with an ovarian cyst and possible ovarian cancer, laparoscopy can be used to see the ovary and remove the abnormal cyst. In most patients, the cyst will be benign and further surgery will be avoided. Laparoscopy is also used to re-evaluate a gynecologic cancer after chemotherapy (second-look surgery).
Minimally invasive obstetric and gynecology surgery isn’t right for all patients. Before any surgery, the Cooper surgeon will discuss the procedure, including whether to use a minimally invasive or traditional procedure, with the patient in detail.
For more information on Minimally Invasive Surgery options available at Cooper University Hospital or to schedule an appointment with a Cooper physician, please call our referral and information line at 1-800-8-COOPER (800-826-6737).
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 Laparoscopic-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
Endometrial cancer, the most common gynecologic cancer, affects the endometrial lining of the uterus. Surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), may sometimes be necessary to treat endometrial and other cancers. In some cases, the ovaries and the fallopian tubes must be removed too. Cooper surgeons use laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy to remove the uterus, and, if necessary, the ovaries and fallopian tubes, through the vagina instead of through an incision in the abdomen. Laparoscopic Oophorectomy or Salpingo-oophorectomy
Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the ovaries and the fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy) may be necessary to treat ovarian growths and other conditions. Cooper surgeons use laparoscopy to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
 Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
Cooper surgeons use laparoscopy to remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the uterus through the vagina instead of through an abdominal incision.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Cooper surgeons use laparoscopy to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) through a small incision instead of through the vagina or the abdomen with traditional surgical techniques.
Hysteroscopy
Cooper surgeons use hysteroscopy to treat dysfunctional uterine bleeding in a procedure called endometrial ablation. Hysteroscopy allows the surgeon to look inside the uterus through a thin fiber optic scope introduced through the cervix and to destroy the endometrial lining with electric current, lasers, or heat. Cooper surgeons also use hysteroscopy to diagnose and remove internal fibroids, polyps, and scar tissue. Hysteroscopy may eliminate the need for a hysterectomy.
Laparoscopic Tuboplasty
Damage to the fallopian tubes, such as scar tissue which causes the tube to close up, is one cause of infertility. Cooper surgeons use laparoscopy to remove scar tissue and re-open the fallopian tubes.
Laparoscopic Ablation of Endometriosis
Endometriosis sometimes leads to infertility. Cooper surgeons use laparoscopy to remove endometrial tissue, sometimes with lasers.
Laparoscopic Ectopic Pregnancy (tubal pregnancy)
Cooper surgeons use laparoscopy to terminate an ectopic pregnancy. They make a small incision in the fallopian tube and remove the embryo and placental tissue. If part of the fallopian tube is damaged, it is also removed laparoscopically.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Fibroids sometimes need to be surgically removed (myomectomy). Cooper surgeons use laparoscopy to remove some fibroids surgically, or to destroy them using lasers or electric current (electrocautery).
Laparoscopic Oophorectomy or Salpingo-oophorectomy
Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the ovaries and the fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy) may be necessary to treat ovarian growths and other conditions. Cooper surgeons use laparoscopy for this procedure.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy
Ovarian cysts sometimes need to be removed surgically. Cooper surgeons use laparoscopy to remove cysts smaller than 3”.
Laparoscopic Urethra Suspension
Stress incontinence is treated through surgical repair of the muscle and tissue surrounding the urethra and the neck of the bladder (urethra suspension). Cooper surgeons use laparoscopy to perform urethra suspension with three small incisions instead of one long incision with traditional surgery. |
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