In this article:
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We continue to support women's health in our community with the wide range of surgical options available at the newly opened Swedish Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery clinic.
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Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery offers women shorter recovery times with less pain and a speedier return to their daily activities.
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More women trust Swedish for their gynecological surgery needs than any other healthcare provider in the Northwest.
[3 MIN READ]
Every woman’s health journey is a unique path that winds through the ever-changing needs that occur throughout their lives. But coordinating care, scheduling downtime after a procedure or searching for details to help make important healthcare decisions can be daunting— especially for women juggling many roles and responsibilities. Whether it’s gynecologic care, pregnancy, childbirth or menopause concerns, our women’s health experts are uniquely attuned to the experiences of women at different life stages and with different conditions. We offer a level of support that is readily available when it’s most needed. Our new Swedish Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery clinic is just one of the ways we do that.
Expertise and the latest technology
The Swedish Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery clinic brings together specialists and innovative technology under one roof to focus exclusively on the patient’s needs.
More than 6,000 patients trusted Swedish last year for gynecological surgeries. Since studies show surgeons with more experience get the best results, that number is just one factor that gives women in our community confidence in the high level of care we provide. Our surgeons are known for mastering advances in gynecologic surgery that bring life-changing solutions. We specialize in minimally invasive laparoscopy and hysteroscopy procedures that treat a wide range of conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic floor disorders . We are the only medical center in the region to offer the latest generation of da Vinci robotic surgery technology that requires less incisions, more precision and shorter recovery time.
Minimally invasive surgery provides many benefits not found in more traditional open surgery, including:
- Faster healing with a shorter, easier recovery time
- Reduced pain with less need for pain medication
- Minimal blood loss
- Smaller scars
Read more about laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery at Swedish.
Comprehensive care
Experts at the Swedish Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery clinic will offer evaluation, treatment and follow up care for a wide range of gynecologic conditions, including:
- Uterine fibroids - benign growths in the muscular wall of the uterus which may cause heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, infertility, pelvic pain, pressure, bloating, urinary frequency or constipation.
- Endometriosis – tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and may cause very painful periods and sometimes pain with intercourse or during bowel movements.
- Adenomyosis – tissue similar to the uterine lining becomes embedded in the muscular wall of the uterus and typically causes heavy/painful periods.
- Endometrioma – ovarian cyst filled with endometriosis and can cause all the same symptoms of endometriosis and typically does not respond to treatment with medication.
- Ovarian cysts – fluid-filled sacs in an ovary or on its surface that may cause pelvic pain.
- Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding – excessive bleeding that can lead to anemia and can also cause fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, passing out or needing a blood transfusion.
- Pelvic organ prolapse – either the uterus, bladder or rectum drops down into or out of the vagina and can cause pelvic pressure and bulging.
- Hydrosalpinx – a damaged fluid-filled fallopian tube which can cause pain and infertility.
Minimally invasive surgery options
Women of all ages can be candidates for minimally invasive surgery.
Available surgical options include:
- Laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomy, inclusive of gender-affirming procedures – this procedure removes the uterus and usually the cervix. Ovaries may be removed or left in place depending on the patient’s preference and health history.
- Laparoscopic, robotic and hysteroscopic myomectomy – the removal of uterine fibroids that leaves the uterus in place
- Laparoscopic and robotic ovarian cystectomy – the removal of ovarian cysts while leaving the ovaries in place
- Laparoscopic and robotic excision of endometriosis – the surgical removal of endometriosis
- Robotic sacrocolpopexy – the surgery that uses mesh to fix prolapse, usually combined with a hysterectomy
- Laparoscopic salpingectomy – the removal of the fallopian tube(s), usually because they are damaged, but sometimes for sterilization.
Information and informed decisions
In the hands of a specially trained surgeon, nearly every woman who needs gynecologic surgery is a candidate for a minimally invasive option. Even women with large uterine fibroids, severe endometriosis or suspected adhesions that traditionally require open surgery can benefit from this innovative approach.
At Swedish, we start with an extensive evaluation of your health history. Then we help you understand your condition, explain your treatment options and discuss your personal preferences. Our surgeons make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Women can receive care at the clinic in several ways:
- Referral from a primary care physician or OB/GYN
- Referral from a fertility specialist
- Self-referral
Learn more about the Swedish Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery clinic and how to schedule an appointment for evaluation.
Women’s Wellness Center
Swedish continues to provide advanced care for women’s health needs with the launch of their new Women’s Wellness Center planned for mid-Dec. 2021. Healthcare providers at the multi-service facility will include specialists in menopause, sexual health, urogynecology, and pelvic health. Patients will also have access to Swedish’s strong clinical network and services if their health needs require additional support.
Find a doctor
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult with a doctor virtually, you have options. Swedish Virtual Care connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow-up as needed. If you need to find a physician, caregiver or advanced care practitioner, you can use our provider directory.
Related resources
Painful periods and pelvic pain – could it be endometriosis?
Gynecological surgery FAQs, part I: Laparoscopy
Gynecological surgery FAQs, part 2: Robotic surgery
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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