The Penn State Health Approach to Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Vaginal Laser Treatment

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is a surgical technique that allows your doctor to view inside your body using a special camera attached to a lighted telescope that is inserted through your abdomen or cervix, depending on the procedure. The minimally invasive approach offers faster healing with less pain and fewer complications than conventional open surgery with a large incision.

Vaginal laser treatment uses a fractional CO2 laser to address vaginal dryness and other symptoms caused by menopause or certain cancer treatments. It can be an effective, noninvasive form of relief for issues related to low estrogen levels when hormonal treatment is not an option.

Advanced Training and Expertise in Minimally Invasive Surgery Options

Penn State Health is a national leader in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. We are the region’s only medical center that features a women’s health care specialty focusing on minimally invasive treatment options for uterine fibroids, excessive menstrual periods, endometriosis and other gynecologic issues.

Our surgeons complete nearly all gynecologic surgeries using a laparoscopic approach, which is less painful than traditional surgery and offers a faster recovery time. Surgical procedures that once required six weeks of convalescence now need only a one- or two-week recuperation period before you can return to your normal activities. Our experts perform more robotic surgery than any other OB/GYN professionals in the region.

Vaginal Laser Therapy for Effective Noninvasive, Nonhormonal Treatment

Reduced estrogen levels due to menopause or some cancer treatments can often cause vaginal dryness, thinning of your vaginal walls and painful intercourse. Vaginal laser treatment can be a safe, nonhormonal option when you cannot take estrogen due to other health concerns.

The vaginal laser is not a cosmetic procedure and is not meant to be a form of “vaginal rejuvenation.” It is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment that stimulates blood vessel growth and improves the production of collagen and elastin to restore your vaginal walls. The team at Penn State Health includes a board-certified gynecology oncologist with advanced training in laser treatments.

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Why Choose Penn State Health for Care

Experts in the Latest Minimally Invasive Techniques

The high level of expertise possessed by every member of the Penn State Health team means you could be a candidate for a minimally invasive gynecologic procedure even if you have a complicated surgical history.

We use state-of-the-art technology, including a da Vinci Si Surgical System and Olympus EndoALPHA Laparoscopic Surgical Suites, to provide a wide range of surgical procedures.

We offer:

  • Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy - a procedure in which your uterus is removed and your cervix and vagina are preserved unchanged.
  • Laparoscopic hysterectomy - surgery that removes your uterus and cervix through an incision at the top of your vagina.
  • Laparoscopic myomectomy - treatment to remove uterine fibroids that lets you keep your uterus.

Education and Fellowships Focused on Clinical Excellence

Penn State Health is a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), a global leader that emphasizes excellence through clinical practice, education, research, innovation and advocacy.

We established an AAGL-approved Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship in 2010, which offers a two-year surgical fellowship that provides advanced training in minimally invasive laparoscopic and female pelvic surgery. Our program features extensive outpatient surgical practice and instruction from world-class experts in the field of minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures.

Innovative Telesurgery Program for Educational Outreach

Penn State Health is one of only four facilities in the country to offer a live telesurgery program for high school students with an interest in pursuing a career in health care.

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