Minimally invasive gynaecological surgery

Minimally invasive surgery has transformed gynaecological surgery & care. Complex cases can now be treated with laparoscopy through a few small incisions, or with hysteroscopy without any incision. Routine procedures are simpler, treatments that were once out of reach are now possible, and recovery is easier with a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to everyday life.

As one of the first lady gynaecologists in Mumbai to specialize in minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Neelima Mantri has spent over twenty years treating the full spectrum of gynaecological conditions. From simple conditions to complex surgeries, she personally guides your care from diagnosis to recovery, with a minimally invasive treatment plan made around you.

Types of Minimally Invasive Procedures: Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy

Minimally invasive surgery is an umbrella term for surgical procedures performed through smaller, fewer openings. These openings can be tiny incisions that are made on skin or, in some cases, even natural openings can also be used for surgery.

These procedures use different approaches which are chosen based on the condition being treated, location of operation, and its complexity.

Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are two foundational approaches in minimally invasive surgeries, as they allow treatment of a wide range of gynaecological conditions.

Laparoscopy: A small camera with a light source, called a laparoscope, is inserted through incisions in the abdomen to view the organs on a monitor. And a set of specialized instruments is inserted through other incisions to perform the procedure.

Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic adhesions, and certain causes of infertility are some of the most common conditions for which surgeons use laparoscopy.

Hysteroscopy: The thin camera/light source is passed through the vagina and cervix. This approach allows the surgeon to view the inside of the uterine cavity directly and, when needed, use specialized tiny instruments to treat the condition – all without an incision at all.

Hysteroscopy is commonly used for uterine polyps, certain fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, retained tissue, minimally invasive surgery, and some uterine abnormalities. Sometimes a specific case like ‘looking into the cause of infertility’ needs both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, and in such cases both procedures are done together in one sitting.

Vaginal Surgery is another form of surgery where the surgery is performed through the vagina instead of making incisions. Certain hysterectomies and pelvic organ prolapse procedures are other selected gynaecological procedures that use this procedure.

Along with the above, other minimally invasive gynaecology procedures include Single-Incision Laparoscopy performed through a single small incision near the belly button. Mini-Laparoscopy, that uses smaller-diameter instruments and Natural-Orifice Procedures that make use of existing natural openings of the body to access the area being treated, avoiding external surgical incisions.

The right approach minimally invasive procedures are chosen based on how effectively they can treat the existing condition in the least possible time with the highest convenience and other existing limitations, which vary for each patient.

Gynaecological Conditions Treated with Minimally Invasive Surgery

The superior access to the affected organs, clear view and extreme precision offered by minimally invasive surgery make it an excellent choice for treating a wide variety of gynaecological conditions which include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine polyps and abnormal bleeding,
• Infertility-related problems
• Ectopic pregnancy
• PCOS, in cases that don’t respond to medication
• Pelvic organ prolapses and chronic pelvic pain

A note to remember: Some conditions may not even need the surgery. Even as one of Mumbai’s most experienced laparoscopic surgeons, Dr. Neelima Mantri always looks at non-surgical options first. In over twenty years of practice, she has treated thousands of women, and many of them never needed an operation.

Common Minimally Invasive Surgeries in Gynaecology

Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are the two foundational approaches to minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. These approaches are leverage treat a wide variety of gynaecological conditions. Based on the conditions treated and the goal of the surgery, the names of procedure change.

Some of the most common types of minimally invasive surgeries in gynaecology performed by Dr Neelima Mantri, at out clinic in Mumbai include:

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed when the womb needs to be removed. The procedure is performed through a few small incisions in the abdomen.

Laparoscopic myomectomy is performed to carefully remove fibroids while keeping the womb intact. Myomectomy relieves heavy periods and pressure, and keeps the option of pregnancy open.

Ovarian cystectomy is performed to gently remove the cyst. The healthy ovarian tissue is preserved and hormonal health and fertility is protected.

Endometriosis surgery is performed to remove endometriosis patches, cysts and scar tissue precisely. This procedure is leverage to ease the long-standing pain and improves the chances of conceiving.

Ectopic pregnancy treatment is performed to quickly and safely treat a pregnancy that has developed outside the womb without impacting the future fertility.

Diagnostic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are performed together in the same sitting to find the cause of infertility or ongoing pelvic pain.

Hysteroscopic polyp and fibroid removal is a day-care procedure performed to remove polyps and fibroids inside the womb with no incision.

Laparoscopic tubal ligation is a permanent family planning option performed through tiny incisions for quick recovery and minimal scarring.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Gynaecology:

Minimally invasive surgery gives the surgeon exceptional access to the womb, ovaries, tubes and the entire pelvis without making large incision.

A magnified camera view shows every detail clearly, and the slim instruments enable the surgeon to treat the problem with greater accuracy without any of the problems associated with traditional surgeries.

Minimally Invasive Gynaecology in Mumbai – What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Even though minimally invasive surgery involves the least risk possible, the word “surgery” may cause specific anxiety in women. So, knowing what lies ahead and understanding the procedures can make the process less daunting.

Here is a brief outline of the procedure we follow at our advanced gynaecology surgery clinic in Mumbai.

Your first consultation: Gynaecologist Dr. Mantri will listen to your concerns, goes through your gynaecology history and reports. She may suggest further scans or blood tests (varies from patient to patient). And go on to clearly explain your options after assessing if the surgery is needed in the first place.

Getting ready: If surgery is the right choice in a specific case, you’ll have a simple fitness check before the procedure. You’ll receive all necessary details about food, drink, and any regular medicines on the same day.

The day of surgery: Most minimally invasive gynaecological procedures are performed under anaesthesia so that you won’t feel anything. Depending on the procedure and the condition, surgery can take anywhere from under half an hour to a few hours.

After surgery: Most women are up and walking within hours. After laparoscopy, mild shoulder or abdominal discomfort from the gas is common and usually settles within a day or two. After hysteroscopy, light spotting is normal.

Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery – Recovery & Follow-Up

Recovery after the surgery depends on the specific procedure. But as noted earlier, it is much quicker than after open surgery, and women generally need fewer painkillers (sometimes none). The general recovery and follow-up after minimally invasive surgery in Mumbai is as follows:

The first follow-up is usually within one to two weeks. Dr. Neelima Mantri will check the healing, go over any test results and plan the next steps.

Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery in Mumbai: Why Choose Dr. Neelima Mantri

Minimally invasive surgery gives a surgeon remarkable access and superior accuracy because it also demands of top-tier expertise and sound judgement from the surgeon. And top of that, every condition is different and no two procedures are alike either. For example, a fibroid, an endometriotic cyst and a blocked tube each need a different surgical approach. So, the surgeon must know the full range of gynaecological conditions well. Only when the surgeon has both that breadth and advanced training, minimally invasive surgery can be used to its full potential.

Book an Appointment for Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgeon in Mumbai:

Mumbai has many gynaecologists with long experience in traditional gynaecology surgery and also a newer group of surgeons trained in minimally invasive techniques. Few have spent years doing both. Dr. Neelima Mantri belongs to rare group of lady gynaecologists in the Mumbai who has done the both.

She brings more than 20+ years of experience in gynaecology and surgery, along with advanced training and wide experience in laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures across a wide range of gynaecology conditions.

Many gynaecological problems settle with medicines, hormonal treatment or changes in routine, so she looks at these options first. Surgery is advised only when it is last possible option. And when it is, she plans a minimally invasive procedure around the condition, your health and your plans for the future. Your diagnosis, surgery, recovery and follow-up all stay under her personal care.

If you’re looking for a clear diagnosis, the right treatment, a second opinion or a more information on minimally invasive gynaecological surgery in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri is the leading Minimally Invasive Gynaecologist in Mumbai who can help you understand your options and recommend what’s best for you.

FAQs – Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery in Mumbai