Minimally Invasive Surgery Specialist

Francine Ito, MD

OB-GYN located in South Bay, Torrance, CA

Minimally invasive surgery uses state-of-the-art techniques to treat an array of issues without large incisions and prolonged recovery times. Dr. Francine Ito is an experienced provider of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery for women in the South Bay, Torrance, CA, helping women recover more quickly and more comfortably following care.

205-931-5971

Minimally Invasive Surgery Q & A

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgeries are procedures designed to be performed through very small incisions using special instruments and techniques, eliminating the need for larger incisions. Because they use smaller incisions, minimally invasive surgical procedures are associated with less tissue damage, less bleeding, fewer complications, faster recovery and less discomfort during recovery.

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses an instrument called a laparoscope, a slim instrument that includes a tiny camera that’s used to send magnified images from inside the surgical site to a monitor where they can be viewed by the doctor. The doctor uses those real-time images to guide the surgery. Laparoscopic surgery can be used to treat a condition or to help diagnose a medical issue without the need for major exploratory surgery.

How is minimally invasive surgery used in gynecology?

Minimally invasive surgical techniques are used in an array of gynecological procedures, including:

hysterectomy
oophorectomy
fibroid removal
tubal ligation
Essure sterilization
treatment of endometriosis
treatment of symptomatic ovarian cysts
treatment of some structural issues affecting the uterus or fallopian tubes

What is a hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses a special instrument called a hysteroscope to see inside the uterus. The hysteroscope is equipped with a camera that’s used to send images of the inside of the uterus back to a monitor where the images can be viewed. Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose an array of issues including some causes of infertility. The procedure is performed using sedation or anesthesia. Most diagnostic procedures take less than 20 minutes to perform.

Can a hysterectomy be performed using minimally invasive surgery techniques?

Yes, many women can have hysterectomies performed using minimally invasive approaches. Some techniques use very small incisions through the belly to access the uterus and sometimes the ovaries (a procedure called an oophorectomy), while other techniques use small incisions made through the vaginal wall, eliminating the need for external incisions. While a minimally invasive hysterectomy can be an ideal option for many women, it’s not always the best choice; for instance, when a hysterectomy is being performed to treat uterine cancer, a larger incision may be necessary to ensure all the cancerous tissue has been isolated.

*Individual results may vary