Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Expert surgical care with less pain and faster recovery.
When you may need surgery, it’s normal to feel uncertain or even intimidated about what comes next. At Women’s Healthcare Associates (WHA), we want you to feel informed and supported as you make decisions about your care.
WHA’s minimally invasive gynecologic surgery program uses advanced laparoscopic and hysteroscopic techniques to treat a wide range of gynecologic conditions. These techniques rely on smaller incisions for a faster recovery (meaning, less disruption to your life). Procedures are performed at out-patient surgery centers and Providence and Legacy hospitals across the Portland metro area, including Hillsboro, Tualatin, Oregon City and Newberg.
Discomfort and pain have likely ruled your life for too long. With minimally invasive surgery, recovery from finally treating your condition doesn’t have to take any more from you.
Why minimally invasive surgery
Minimally invasive surgery allows surgeons to operate through very small incisions, or sometimes no incisions at all, while using cameras and specialized instruments. Compared with traditional open surgery, minimally invasive surgery can offer:
- minimal scarring
- less pain after surgery
- shorter recovery time and a faster return to routine activities
- lower risk of infection and complications
- same-day discharge or shorter hospital stays
Recovery is quicker, which means normal routines can resume sooner.
When to consider surgical evaluation
A minimally invasive procedure may be recommended when:
- medications or nonsurgical treatments have not relieved symptoms
- a condition is affecting your daily activities or quality of life
- imaging tests show fibroids, cysts, polyps or other growths
- you have ongoing abnormal menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort
- your WHA provider identifies a condition that may respond well to a surgical approach
If you are unsure whether surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation with your WHA provider as a first step.
Conditions We Treat
WHA surgeons use minimally invasive gynecologic surgery to diagnose and treat conditions such as:
- abnormal or painful periods
- endometriosis
- ovarian cysts
- uterine fibroids or uterine polyps
- pelvic pain or adhesions
- abnormal Pap results requiring cone biopsy
- pelvic organ prolapse
- benign ovarian masses
Your WHA provider will help determine whether a minimally invasive procedure is an option for your specific condition.
Types of minimally invasive procedures
Laparoscopic surgery
Small incisions and a small camera allow the surgeon to operate with precision. Common procedures include removal of fibroids, ovarian cysts or the uterus (hysterectomy).
Robotic-assisted surgery
Surgeons use a robotic system to control instruments with enhanced precision and range of motion. This approach may be recommended for complex anatomy or when greater surgical detail is needed.
Hysteroscopic surgery
Sometimes called vaginal surgery, your surgeon will guide a thin instrument through the cervix, with no external incision, to treat conditions inside the uterus such as polyps, fibroids or abnormal bleeding.
What to Expect
Before surgery
You will meet with your WHA provider to review your diagnosis, the recommended procedure and preparation steps. We will explain the plan in plain language so you feel informed and ready!
Before scheduling your procedure, WHA’s financial coordinators review your insurance benefits to help you understand your coverage and any expected costs. Some procedures require prior authorization from your insurance plan. If that’s the case, our team will submit the request and keep you informed about next steps.
Day of surgery
Many minimally invasive procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, which means you may be able to go home the same day. WHA surgeons operate in partnership with Providence and Legacy hospitals across the Portland area, as well as several outpatient surgery centers.
Recovery
Because the incisions are small, recovery is usually shorter (and less painful!) than with traditional surgery. Many people resume normal activities within one to two weeks, depending on the procedure. You will receive personalized instructions for this time, along with direct contact information for your care team so you can reach them when you need them.
Your Care Team
WHA’s minimally invasive gynecologic surgery team includes experienced OB/GYN physicians and gynecologic surgeons, each with advanced training in laparoscopic, robotic-assisted and hysteroscopic procedures.
After you’re diagnosed, your surgeon will explain your options and recommend an approach that fits your situation and goals.
Our Approach
Surgery is a collaboration between you and your care team, and our approach prioritizes understanding and shared decision making. We explain the “why” behind recommendations and provide space to ask questions and explore your options.
Whether your surgery is diagnostic, preventative or therapeutic, you’ll be given clear communication. And, above all else, respect for your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is minimally invasive surgery right for me?
Many patients are candidates for minimally invasive surgery, but it depends on your condition, anatomy and medical history.
Will I need general anesthesia?
Most minimally invasive procedures use general or regional anesthesia. Your team will review what is safest and most comfortable for you.
How soon can I return to work or exercise?
Most people can resume regular activities within one to two weeks.
Do you offer robotic surgery?
Yes. Several WHA surgeons are trained in robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery performed at local hospitals.
Care that guides you through every step
No one should feel uncertain about what their surgery involves or what happens after.
If you’re considering surgery, talk with your WHA provider about minimally-invasive options or schedule a consultation with an OB/GYN physician at any of our Portland-area locations. Our minimally invasive gynecologic surgery team will support you from your first consultation through recovery.
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