FAQs about Minimally Invasive Surgery

You may have heard of the term "minimally invasive" associated with surgery, but if you have been told that you need a minimally invasive procedure, you may have a few questions about why and how it's done. Dr. Lori Sweitzer, your Annapolis-based obstetrician/gynecologist, is certified in performing minimally invasive surgery. In this entry, Dr. Sweitzer and staff have answered a few of the questions they hear from their OB/GYN patients when they are scheduled for this kind of procedure.

What does "minimally invasive" mean?

Unlike traditional surgical, or invasive, procedures, minimally invasive surgery does not require a large incision in order to reach the targeted area. Dr. Sweitzer, uses laparoscopy (a tiny telescope-like tube to view the internal organs) and robotic-assisted instruments to perform minimally invasive surgery.

What are the advantages of minimally invasive surgery?

Large incisions from traditional surgeries usually require a long healing time and leave noticeable scars. However, minimally invasive procedures, like the ones performed by Dr. Sweitzer, only require tiny places of entry, reducing pain, downtime and scarring afterwards. The time you spend in recovery at the hospital immediately following your surgery is also greatly reduced. Minimally invasive surgeries are usually more accurate thanks to the use of sophisticated computers and equipment.

What sort of surgeries are performed this way?

Many obstetric and gynecological surgeries that were once invasive are now done laparoscopically. Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), removal of uterine polyps, fibroids or masses, and treatment of endometriosis are a few of the conditions treated by minimally invasive surgery.

If you have further questions about a minimally invasive OB/GYN procedure offered by Dr.Sweitzer, contact our office to make an appointment. We would be happy to discuss any treatment option with you.