Minimally Invasive Surgery has changed the way of Operative Gynecology. Using the latest state of the art technology and the new minimally invasive operating suites at Torrance Memorial Hospital we are now able to do over 90% of surgeries in an outpatient setting. As a patient these procedures offer many advantages:

• Faster recovery with many patients going back to work in one week
• Less pain
• Less risk of infection
• Better cosmetic results with 3 small 1cm incisions on the abdomen for most surgeries
• Some procedures can be done without any incisions

The procedures that Doctors Aronson and Rosenthal perform are:

• Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic Assisted Supracervical Hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic Myomectomy
• Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometriosis
• Laparoscopic Treatment for Pelvic Prolapse
• Essure Procedure for Sterilization
• Novasure - Endometrial Ablation for Treatment of Abnormal Bleeding
• Bladder Support Surgery

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

With this hysterectomy (TLH) method, a thin, lighted, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope along with small surgical instruments are inserted through 3 to 4 tiny incisions in the navel and abdomen to detach and remove the uterus. Unlike more traditional methods, laparoscopic hysterectomy usually requires only 1 day or less in the hospital and only 6 days of recovery time. Patients also experience less scarring and pain compared to other hysterectomy methods.

Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy

In a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH), the surgeon leaves the cervix intact. The cervix connects the upper portion of the vagina to the uterus. The ligaments attached to the cervix provide support for both organs. For this reason, many gynecologists feel that leaving the cervix in place is important to maintain good pelvic floor support.

One of the most common pelvic floor support problems is pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which organs in the pelvic region drop out of their normal position (prolapse). Prolapse can be uncomfortable both physically and emotionally, causing women to limit their movements because of pain, urinate more frequently and avoid sex. In addition, some research suggests the cervix may play a role in sexual arousal and the ability to achieve orgasm in some women.

Keeping the cervix means you may still experience some periodic bleeding. Like women who have not had a hysterectomy, you should continue to have an annual Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.

Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroid tumors while leaving the uterus intact. Traditionally this required a large abdominal incision and a prolong hospital stay. Now many pt can have these fibroid tumors removed through the laparoscope. However there are many cases where it is more prudent to have an open surgical procedure. It is very important if there are deep fibroids in the wall of the uterus and the patient wants to maintain here fertility a strong uterine closure needs to be obtained, so as the uterus does not rupture in the later stages of pregnancy. Every patient needs a very careful evaluation before recommending any particular procedure.

Laparoscopic Treatment for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is chronic condition in which endometrial tissue is implanted outside its normal anatomic position in the lining of the uterus. The diagnosis is made with the assistance of a laparoscope where the surgeon can visualize the entire pelvis and take appropriate biopsies. Endometrial lesions can be cut away (excised) or burned away using a high-energy heat source, such as a laser (ablated). Treatment with laparoscopy is more difficult with advanced disease that involves large areas of the rectum or larger lesions.