Gynecologic Laparoscopy

Nationally Ranked in Ob/Gyn

UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's top hospitals for obstetric and gynecological care.

Our experienced surgeons have advanced training and board certifications in gynecologic laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure using one or a few small incisions to perform surgery that produces better results for patients. As one of the top gynecologic surgery centers in the country, UT Southwestern Medical Center delivers expert care for a range of conditions.

Advanced Techniques in Gynecologic Laparoscopy

Gynecologic laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can help diagnose and treat a range of conditions that affect a woman’s reproductive organs. Laparoscopy only requires one or a few small incisions, providing a safe, effective alternative to open surgery.

UT Southwestern gynecologists and surgeons are national leaders in minimally invasive laparoscopy to treat gynecologic conditions. Our physicians have specialized training and extensive expertise in robotic techniques for several laparoscopic procedures. Our team can treat complex conditions, such as large fibroids, urologic conditions, and advanced endometriosis, that other centers cannot.

Conditions We Treat with Gynecologic Laparoscopy

Gynecologic laparoscopy, rather than traditional, open surgery, is used whenever possible to treat patients who need surgery for conditions, such as:

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Gynecologic cancers, such as cervical cancer, endometrial (uterine) cancer, and ovarian cancer
• Heavy bleeding and painful periods
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence
• Pelvic adhesions (painful scar tissue)
• Pelvic pain
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Uterine fibroids

Gynecologic Laparoscopy Procedures

Not every patient can have laparoscopy. The type of procedure that best suits a patient’s needs depends on their specific problem, the patient’s overall health, the symptoms, and other factors. Our surgeons work closely with each patient to evaluate these factors and determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a minimally invasive approach.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

The surgeon makes a small incision in the pelvic area (lower abdomen) to insert a laparoscope (narrow tube with a lighted camera). The surgeon uses the laparoscope to view the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs and gather information to make a diagnosis.

Surgical Laparoscopy

During a surgical laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon can decide to treat the condition at that time. The surgeon makes a few additional small incisions and inserts surgical instruments through them to access the surgical site.

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopy

The surgeon uses a robotic system to access the surgical site. The robotic system includes a console that provides magnified, high-resolution 3D imaging of the surgical site that is viewed through a specialized laparoscope. The system has arms with miniaturized instruments that the surgeon controls to perform the procedure. Learn more about gynecologic robotic surgery.

Single-Site Surgery

This procedure involves just one incision in the abdomen through a site such as the belly button to insert the laparoscope and surgical instruments to perform a surgery. This approach offers a more cosmetically appealing result in optimal candidates.

Using these gynecologic laparoscopic approaches, our surgeons perform a range of procedures, such as:    

• Cancer staging: Evaluation of cancerous tissue to determine whether it is in an early or a late stage, to help plan treatment
• Endometrial ablation: Procedure to destroy the endometrium to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding
• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and, in some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes
• Myomectomy: Removal of uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cystectomy: Removal of ovarian cysts
• Pelvic organ prolapse repair: Suspension or reattachment procedures to reposition prolapsed pelvic organs, such as in the case of a cystocele (bladder hernia) or rectocele (rectal hernia), back into their proper positions
• Prolapse procedures: A minimally invasive way to surgically treat prolapse
• Tumorectomy: Removal of cancerous tumors from the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or other reproductive organs
• Tubal ligation: Sterilization by cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes to permanently prevent pregnancy
• Tubal reanastomosis: Procedure to reverse a tubal ligation by reconnecting the fallopian tubes 

Learn more about the other types of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery available at UT Southwestern.