SEATTLE — Many women suffer from gynecological conditions like endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts that significantly impact their quality of life. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) can provide relief.
“Minimally invasive surgery is doing surgery through either no incisions or very small incisions,” said Dr. Jessie Remington Marrs, obstetrician-gynecologist certified in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
MIGS allows for less pain, shorter recovery time, a faster return to normal life and fewer complications. Larger incisions can take 6 to 8 weeks to recover from, and the recovery from MIGS is much quicker.
“Most of us really want to get back to our normal lives,” Dr. Marrs said. “We want to get back to exercise and activities and driving kids to soccer and those sorts of things.”
Dr. Marrs performs robotic-assisted surgery, where she controls the surgical instruments at a separate console with finger loops and 3-D goggles. This is an innovative option for many patients, including those with endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where the inner lining cells of the uterus wind up scattered throughout the pelvis. This causes inflammation, scarring, painful periods, pain with intercourse and bowel movements and infertility.
“It is hard to diagnosis because it doesn’t always show up on ultrasound,” Dr. Marrs said. “Really, it’s a surgical diagnosis. The saddest part is that women often suffer for years before anybody figures out what is going on and offers them surgery.”
Dr. Marrs says the future of MIGS includes uterine-sparing surgery, the radiofrequency ablation of fibroids and Single-Site robotic surgery.
“Many women are only offered hysterectomy versus other options that might retain fertility or retain their uterus,” she said.
MIGS will help change that and allow more women the ability to retain their uterus in the future.
Get more information about minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at Swedish on the Providence Swedish website.
Sponsored by Providence Swedish.
Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.