Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS)

If you or a loved one need treatment for complex benign (non-cancerous) gynecologic conditions beyond the scope of care provided by your regular gynecologist or primary care physician, you can rely on the specially trained gynecologic surgeon at OU Health in Oklahoma City.

Expert Care for Complex Gynecology Symptoms & Conditions

Complex gynecologic conditions can develop from issues related to endometriosis – which affects one in 10 women nationwide – as well as uterine fibroid disease, scarring or adhesions from previous surgeries or the involvement of multiple and/or large organs in a gynecology problem. At OU Health, you may qualify for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) if you experience one or more of these conditions:

• Heavy periods

• Painful periods

• Lower back pain or chronic pelvic pain

• Frequent urination

• Pain with bowel movement

• Pain with sex

A MIGS procedure at OU Health also may be an option if you receive a diagnosis of:

• Endometriosis – Growth of uterine tissue in abnormal places

• Endometriosis with obesity

• Abnormal uterine bleeding

• Adenomyosis – Uterine lining grows into muscle wall

• Leiomyoma – Uterine fibroids

• Large benign ovarian cyst or other benign pelvic mass

Extensive Experience with Advanced Procedures

When you choose OU Health for complex benign gynecologic surgery, you gain access to Oklahoma’s only fellowship-trained surgeon who holds extensive experience in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) and advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical techniques, with a special emphasis on endometriosis and benign fibroids.

Personalized, Team-Based Care

At OU Health, you’ll work with our MIGS surgeon in a patient-centered, multidisciplinary team setting to determine an accurate diagnosis and develop an individual treatment plan based on your goals, symptoms and needs. You and your team also may collaborate with many other medical specialists to address complex benign gynecologic conditions related to body systems such as:

• Colorectal care

• Fertility/infertility and reproductive medicine

• Gastroenterology

• Urology and more

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Treatment

You and your OU Health MIGS team will work together to fully understand your benign gynecologic condition and determine the best type of treatment for your specific situation. Your options may include laparoscopic, minimally invasive or robotic-assisted surgical techniques or a combination of surgical procedures and medical approaches, including:

• Endometriosis removal by surgical excision (cutting away vs. ablation/burning) with or without hysterectomy

• Fertility-sparing and definitive surgeries for benign (non-cancerous) pelvic masses

• Fibroid removal (myomectomy); uterine-preserving options

• Ovarian cyst removal (ovarian cystectomy)

• Uterine removal (hysterectomy)

• Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) – A minimally invasive gynecologic procedure to treat conditions such as pelvic pain, heavy periods or prolapsed uterus. Hysterectomy is the most common procedure performed via the vNOTES technique.

In addition, you may benefit from OU Health MIGS-related services such as:

• Medications and medical management for endometriosis with long-term follow-up to retain uterus

• Pelvic floor physical therapy for reactive pain from severe endometriosis through OU Health Pelvic & Bladder Health Center

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

While standard “open” procedures create a significant incision in the skin and muscles to access internal organs or tissues, minimally invasive surgery techniques involve only small snips using precision tools guided by tiny flexible telescopic cameras. You benefit from these advanced treatments through:

• Decreased blood loss

• Lower risk of infection

• Less post-procedure pain

• Same-day treatment and return home; no required overnight hospital stay

• Faster recovery from lower impact on your body

• Safe and comfortable home-based recovery

Depending on your particular condition, each type of surgery offers effective treatment. You and your OU Health care team will review your options and work together to help determine the appropriate approach for your care.

Related OU Health Services

Find out more about related OU Health services such as:

• Women’s health, including pelvic health and bladder health

• Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery

• Same-day surgery

• Surgery services

• Fertility services and reproductive medicine

• Gastroenterology

• Primary care and family medicine

• Urology

Your Expert MIGS Team

Your OU Health minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon and MIGS team concentrate only on the care of benign complex gynecologic issues. That means you benefit from your surgeon’s focus and extensive experience gained through fellowship training in specialized procedures for these complicated and challenging health conditions.

In addition, your OU Health care team may include specialists from healthcare fields related to your specific situation. Everyone works together with you to develop options, determine appropriate steps, and help make the best decisions for your care and overall health.