I consider myself somewhat courageous but, when it comes to spending time on an operating table, I am a complete coward. When I went into labor with my daughter I ended up having an unscheduled C-Section and it ranks up there with other 'Most Traumatic Events In My Life'.
After that experience, I prayed it would be a long, long time before I next had to go 'under the knife'. But the fact is, many of us women may find ourselves in a position where we face major surgery for a gynecologic procedure. For example, when our doctor recommends a hysterectomy to solve issues around heavy periods.
Imagine how thrilled I was to learn that less invasive approaches are now available for many of these gynecologic procedures that once needed major surgery. These minimally invasive treatments can be used to treat common conditions, such as heavy bleeding and other common pelvic health conditions like fibroids, stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
When we're faced with surgery, we need to gather all the information we can in order to make informed choices. The doctors who advise us may not necessarily recommend minimally invasive options. They may suggest more traditional, outdated approaches because they lack the skill to perform the newer, less invasive ones or even because new endoscopic procedures bring less income to the doctor or hospital.
The US News & World reported that, out of the one in four women who receive hysterectomies, approximately 85% are still treated with traditional open abdominal surgical methods, despite the perfection of a decades old laparoscopic procedure that leaves the ovaries and cervix in place.
Minimally invasive gynecology is enjoying a growing following of surgeons and patients alike and advances in minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment are expanding the boundaries of gynecologic care. If your doctor is unwilling or unable to perform minimally invasive procedures, you owe it yourself to get a second opinion from a gynecologist who offers less invasive options. Some of the strong advantages to minimally invasive procedures include:
- Reduced risk of infection
- Minimized scarring
- Less blood loss
- Decreased post-operative pain
- Generally quicker recovery time.
Do yourself a favor and examine the minimally invasive surgery option before you commit to any gynecologic procedure. Visit http://www.aagl.org/healthcare-consumer to learn about your options, and to make an informed decision.
