Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Treatments

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Treatments at Inova Gone are the days when a woman must have a total hysterectomy to treat a gynecologic problem. Today, Inova hospitals have many less-invasive treatment options for conditions ranging from fibroids and heavy bleeding to some gynecologic cancers. Even if your condition is best treated by a hysterectomy, newer techniques and sophisticated equipment mean less discomfort and a quicker recovery. Inova offers advanced minimally invasive treatments for many gynecologic conditions and problems including: Conditions Treatable with Minimally Invasive Gynecology Procedures Endometriosis Expand Content Endometriosis is a common, troublesome condition among women of child-bearing age that can cause bleeding, pain and discomfort and even lead to infertility.  Women with endometriosis develop tissue outside of the uterus that looks and acts like the endometrial lining. This misplaced tissue responds to the hormonal changes of a woman's monthly menstrual cycle, resulting in internal bleeding. Treatment for Endometriosis Endometriosis can be treated with minimally invasive techniques such as as laparoscopy. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen and inflate the abdomen with a harmless gas. Using the laparoscope, the surgeon can view the affected area and remove the endometriosis. Heavy Bleeding / Menorrhagia Expand Content Menorrhagia, or heavy bleeding, was once a condition treated by hysterectomy. Today Inova Health System hospitals offer advanced treatment options that are far less invasive. The use of a hysteroscope and endometrial ablation are two possibilities. If polyps are the cause of bleeding, a hysteroscope, or tiny tube with a light, can be inserted into the uterine cavity to view and allow for their removal.  Endometrial ablation is another very effective, minimally invasive approach to treat heavy bleeding. A small device is inserted into your uterus and expanded to touch all the uterine surfaces. Ultrasonic energy is applied to permanently destroy the endometrium, or lining, of the uterus. After endometrial ablation, most women resume a normal menstrual flow. Some women, however, have little or no menstrual flow after the procedure. Uterine Fibroids Expand Content Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths within the uterus that often appear during childbearing years and affect as many as three out of four women. In the past, women generally required a hysterectomy to remove fibroids. Today Inova hospitals offer additional and better treatment options. Read more about uterine fibroid treatment options