Microlaparoscopic Hysterectomy: Avant Offers Enhanced Procedure for Patients
Avant Gynecology’s patient-first philosophy finds its way into all aspects of the practice, especially when it comes to the latest technology and procedures. Microlaparoscopic hysterectomy is yet another shining example, providing patients the best in leading-edge options with optimal results.
What Is Microlaparoscopic Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy isn’t a procedure women take lightly. Whether it’s treating conditions such as endometriosis, cancer, prolapse, or uterine fibroids, a hysterectomy is considered major surgery as it calls for the removal of the uterus, and sometimes the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries as well.
Thanks to advanced technology, patients can now avoid many of the challenges surrounding a hysterectomy. A microlaparoscopic hysterectomy, an advanced, minimally invasive surgical procedure, removes the uterus using a thin, camera-equipped tube and specialized instruments. The surgeon utilizes extremely tiny abdominal incisions, 3 mm or smaller, approximately the width of a grain of rice. This next-level procedure allows patients to experience a swift recovery, minimal pain, and barely visible scars.
Avant Gynecology’s Dr. Durrett Discusses Microlaparoscopic Hysterectomy
Today, few surgeons offer this procedure, because it requires high hand-eye coordination and significant post-residency training to master. As one of only a handful of Atlanta-based gynecological surgeons performing microlaparoscopic hysterectomy, Dr. Lynley Durrett continues to see firsthand the impact it has on patients.
In an effort to provide more awareness of this remarkable procedure, Dr. Durrett recently took time to answer an array of questions regarding microlaparoscopic hysterectomy.
On what motivated her to get trained in microlaparoscopic hysterectomy:
“Thankfully, when I was in residency in the 1990s, laparoscopic hysterectomies were becoming popular, and I stayed on top of the advancements. As years went by and more and more innovations arrived, I would ask myself, ‘What’s the next more technical thing I can learn for the betterment of my patients?’ I took a lot of courses. And there’s a physician in Florida, Dr. Steve McCarus, who’s a great mentor and instructor for laparoscopic hysterectomy. He said, ‘If you can do a regular total laparoscopic hysterectomy, you should really try microlaparoscopic. You should do it smaller and better than your colleagues, and it’s going to be a better patient experience.’ He was one of those people who pushed me to learn how to do it so I can offer the best possible option for my patients, in terms of both health and cosmetics.”
On the minimal scarring and quick recovery time:
“First of all, the incisions are so small you can barely see them, even right away. Most patients can’t believe that there’s something this small that does the trick. And a lot of times, even the nurses in the recovery room are like, ‘Wow, I can’t even see where you did it.’ And the smaller the incisions mean less pain and the shorter the patient stays in the hospital. Almost all of my patients, approximately 98% of them, go home the same day. It’s not a pain issue, but more of a fatigue factor. Most patients actually can do fine on just Motrin and many are back to work within a few days.
On an inspiring patient success story:
“I had a patient who happened to live in my neighborhood, but I didn’t know it. She had been having some problems for years and finally got to a point where she was ready to get treatment done. So we set her up with a microlaparoscopic hysterectomy. Soon thereafter, I started seeing her all around the neighborhood. I told her I didn’t realize we lived in the same area. She said, ‘It’s because I didn’t feel good before the surgery, and I never went out walking.’ A week after her surgery, she was taking long walks in the neighborhood, enjoying herself and enjoying her neighbors. I was thrilled to see how the procedure made such a dramatic difference in her life.”
On how adding this technology aligns with Avant’s overall mission of patient-centered care:
“We always want to do the best for our patients, and this is just an example of how we can provide minimally invasive surgery they might not get elsewhere. We do robotic and regular laparoscopic hysterectomy, but whenever possible we want to do the least invasive thing for the patient and this is it. Anything we can do to get our patients feeling better and faster, we’re going to do it.”
Learn More About Microlaparoscopic Hysterectomy from Avant Gynecology
Dr. Lynley Durrett can help you determine if you’re a good candidate for microlaparoscopic hysterectomy, answer your questions, and much more. To learn more about microlaparoscopic hysterectomy, schedule an appointment online.
