Laparoscopy Specialist
Maiden Lane Medical – Gynecologists located in New York, NY
Our top gynecologists in New York City, Maiden Lane Medical, provide advanced in-office laparoscopic surgery services for area patients. The laparoscopic technique involves less pain and less risk than traditional surgery for faster recovery and safe, effective results.
PAULINA T.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique where various surgical procedures can be performed through very small abdominal incisions. Typically three to five small incisions (or cuts) are made in the abdomen, and small trocars (or sheaths) are placed into the abdomen. These trocars allow the surgeon to insert a camera into the abdomen, allowing your surgeon to visualize all of the abdominal and pelvic structures in a magnified view.
These trocars also allow the surgeon to insert specialized instruments in order to complete the surgical procedure through small incisions. The laparoscopic camera gives the surgeon a magnified view of the field they are operating. The small instruments that are used allow for the completion of the surgery in a precise, detailed manner. In our practice, the great majority of surgeries that are completed with the laparoscopic approach will be performed successfully in this manner.
What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery?
There are many benefits to having your surgery performed laparoscopically or through small incisions (or cuts) in the abdomen. Most of our patients are discharged home on the same day as their surgery. Patients tend to have less pain after surgery and return to their normal activities and work duties much faster than those who have a laparotomy (a “large cut” or “open” surgical procedure).
A laparoscopic procedure also significantly lowers blood loss during surgery, surgical infection, and blood clot formation. So overall – if your surgeon feels as though a laparoscopic approach is safe for you – then this is likely your best option for a speedy recovery!
How many incisions or cuts will I have in my abdomen?
This depends on what type of surgery you are having. Simpler laparoscopic procedures may be performed with just three small incisions – one hidden in the belly button and two hidden beneath the underwear line. More complicated surgeries may require between three and five incisions – ranging in size from 0.5-1cm. These incisions are much smaller than the incision required for a laparotomy (or “open surgery”) and tend to heal faster with less associated pain. Ask your doctor what the plan is regarding your incisions. And always remember that your doctor will perform your surgery with the number of incisions that make your surgery as safe as possible.
What kind of surgery can be performed laparoscopically?
Many types of surgeries can be performed laparoscopically – but this all depends on the skill of your surgeon. Many of our doctors in the practice have undergone years of subspecialty training in the field of minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Examples include (but are not limited to):
- Removal of large and multiple fibroids (benign uterine growths that can cause pain and bleeding)
- Removal of ovarian cysts (small, large, multiple)
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and/or cervix)
- Removal of superficial and very advanced endometriosis
- Removal of the appendix
- Treatment of ectopic pregnancy or other fallopian tube pathology
- Diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic pain
- Fertility preservation or enhancing procedures
Have more questions?
Chat with us online! Use our webchat in the lower right hand of your screen
How should I prepare for laparoscopy?
Your doctor gives you personalized instructions to prepare for laparoscopy. In general, you will have anesthesia during your operation. As a result, you need to fast for at least eight hours before your procedure and arrange for a friend or family member to drive or escort you to and from your appointment.
On the day of your surgery, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Remove any nail polish and leave your jewelry at home. Opt for comfortable shoes without a heel, as anesthesia can cause you to be uncoordinated or clumsy while the effects wear off.
Make sure your doctor knows about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you take regularly. Some substances increase your risk of bleeding, and you might need to stop taking them for a few days before your operation. Talk to your doctor for specific advice and information.
How should I prepare for laparoscopy?
Your doctor gives you personalized instructions to prepare for laparoscopy. In general, you will have anesthesia during your operation. As a result, you need to fast for at least eight hours before your procedure and arrange for a friend or family member to drive or escort you to and from your appointment.
On the day of your surgery, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Remove any nail polish and leave your jewelry at home. Opt for comfortable shoes without a heel, as anesthesia can cause you to be uncoordinated or clumsy while the effects wear off.
Make sure your doctor knows about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you take regularly. Some substances increase your risk of bleeding, and you might need to stop taking them for a few days before your operation. Talk to your doctor for specific advice and information.
When can I go home after laparoscopic surgery?
Most of our patients go home on the very same day. Your doctor will discuss your immediate post-operative expectations with you on your preoperative visit. If you are expected to be discharged on the same day as your surgery, your doctor will have given you pain medications and all the instructions you need for a speedy recovery at home. We also have a doctor on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week – so if you were to have any questions or concerns, there would be a skilled person just a phone call away to help you.
When can I go back to work after laparoscopic surgery?
This all depends on the type of work you do and how quickly you feel recovered enough to return to work. On average, our patients will return to work 2-4 weeks after an uncomplicated laparoscopic procedure.
How do I know if laparoscopic surgery is right for me?
Come and talk with one of our skilled physicians. Chances are, you may be a candidate for laparoscopic surgery. Only your surgeon will be able to tell you for sure. As noted earlier, many of our physicians are trained to complete complex surgical procedures in a minimally invasive fashion.
Laparoscopic Surgery FAQs
What makes laparoscopic surgery minimally invasive?
Unlike traditional open surgeries, the surgeon only needs to make a few small incisions in your body during laparoscopy instead of creating a large opening. They use a laparoscope to transmit images from inside your body to a video monitor in the operating room. Then, your surgeon completes your operation using special surgical instruments through small incisions.
Is laparoscopy major surgery?
Laparoscopy is major surgery. While there are many benefits associated with minimally invasive procedures, such as shorter recovery times and lower risks of infection and scarring, these procedures are serious operations. You will need to take time off to recover and carefully follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions.
What are the risks of laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy, as with all surgeries, has some risks. Your doctor can talk to you in more detail about your personal risk factors and whether minimally invasive surgery is right for you.
Have more questions?
Chat with us online! Use our webchat in the lower right hand of your screen
What surgeries can be performed laparoscopically?
The physicians at Maiden Lane Medical perform a variety of gynecological surgeries with laparoscopic techniques, including but not limited to:
- Hysterectomy
- Myomectomy
- Cyst removal
- Endometriosis removal
- Ectopic pregnancy treatments
- Fertility preservation
The physicians also use laparoscopy to diagnose the causes of pelvic pain and abnormal periods. They may also recommend laparoscopy for fallopian pathology and identify the cause of infertility.
How long does laparoscopy take?
The length of your operation depends on several factors, including the type of surgery and what your physician finds when they examine your internal organs with the laparoscope. Your doctor can provide a time estimate during your preoperative consultation.
Are there different types of laparoscopy?
Maiden Lane Medical offers manual and robotic laparoscopic operations. They use the state-of-the-art Da Vinci® robotic arm when a robotically assisted surgery is appropriate. During a robotic laparoscopy, your surgeon manipulates the robotic arm using advanced computerized controls. The robotic arm can rotate 360 degrees, allowing significant precision during the surgery.
What is the fastest way to recover from laparoscopic surgery?
The fastest way to recover from a minimally invasive robotic surgery is to follow your physician’s instructions. Your doctor provides personalized post-operative advice, but in general, you need to take a few days off to rest and recover. Don’t get your bandages wet or change the wrappings until your doctor says that it’s okay. You won’t be able to lift anything heavy or engage in any vigorous physical activity for several weeks.
Will I need long-term care following a minimally invasive operation?
It is unlikely that you will need long-term care following laparoscopy. However, all operations pose some risk. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before, during, and after your surgery.
Armina Eana DO, MPH
Board Certified OB/GYN
Our doctors who provide this service
Emily Blanton, MD
Board Certified Gynecologist
Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Janette Davison, MD
Board Certified Gynecologist
Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Kenneth A. Levey, MD MPH FACOG FACS
Board Certified Gynecologist & CEO and Managing Partner of Maiden Lane Medical
Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
