No one looks forward to surgery โ itโs not exactly the highlight of anyoneโs calendar. The prospect of gynecologic surgery can feel even more daunting. But what if there was a way to make the experience less painful, the recovery faster and the whole ordeal a little less intimidating? Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) can make a big difference.
Thereโs a lot to know about MIGS. Dr. Shari Snow, Chief of Gynecology and Minimally Invasive Surgery at the University of Chicago Medicine, shares five things you need to know about this innovative surgical approach.
1. What is minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS)?
Dr. Snow describes MIGS as โthe ability to make very small incisions, less than half an inch each, and use a telescopic camera and instruments to perform surgery.โ This approach avoids large incisions, offering precision with less physical disruption.
Most procedures require just three small incisions, making recovery less painful. Sometimes surgeries can be performed through the vagina with no incisions in the abdomen. Common conditions treated with MIGS include fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and tubal ligation or removal of fallopian tubes.ย
2. What are the benefits of MIGS, compared to traditional surgery?
The benefits of MIGS are substantial, particularly for busy parents balancing family and work. โWith a large incision, recovery from a hysterectomy could take six to eight weeks,โ says Dr. Snow. โWith smaller incisions, itโs typically only two weeks.โ
Patients experience less pain, shorter recovery times and reduced reliance on narcotics. These benefits allow parents to return to caring for their children much quicker.
Long-term, MIGS minimizes the risk of scar tissue and hernia, enhancing overall healing and quality of life.
3. What does recovery look like?
While recovery depends on the specific procedure, Dr. Snow often advises avoiding heavy lifting, abdominal exercises and intercourse for varying lengths of time. These precautions help prevent complications like hernias.
To optimize recovery, Dr. Snow emphasizes pre-surgical health: โBeing the healthiest version of yourself โ regular exercise, healthy diet and avoiding smoking โ makes a difference.โ
4. What should patients look for in a surgeon or facility?
Dr. Snow recommends asking key questions when selecting a surgeon: โYou can always ask if theyโve done a fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery,โ she says, noting that fellowship training is a rigorous two-to-three-year program.ย
However, she emphasizes that a fellowship isnโt the only path to developing the skills needed for MIGS.
โThere are other ways to gain this kind of expertise โ like high volumes of surgeries and self-learning,โ she says. For complex cases, such as advanced fibroids or endometriosis, a fellowship-trained or very experienced surgeon is preferable.
Another crucial question is how often the surgeon performs minimally invasive surgeries.ย
โSomeone who performs these surgeries weekly will likely have a higher skill level than someone who does them once a month or less,โ says Dr. Snow.
Facility choice is equally important, particularly for patients with complex medical histories. Dr. Snow advises considering academic medical centers, which are equipped to handle complications if they arise. โItโs worth going out of your way to ensure youโre in the right hands,โ she says.
5. Are there any risks or limitations to be aware of?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding organs or blood clots, though these are rare with MIGS. Some patients with extensive prior abdominal surgeries or advanced cardiac or pulmonary conditions may not be candidates due to increased risks.
Dr. Snow adds that patients should always think about getting a second opinion, especially if a larger incision is recommended. โAnyone advised to have a large incision should consult a specialist in minimally invasive surgery,โ she says.
MIGS has the potential to make a difficult experience more manageable. For anyone facing gynecologic surgery, these minimally invasive techniques provide a chance for less pain, faster recovery and a return to normal life with fewer hurdles โ especially when guided by an experienced care team.
This content is sponsored by UChicago Medicine. Learn more at UChicagoMedicine.org.ย
