Ongoing pelvic pain can disrupt your daily routine, strain relationships, and take a toll on your overall well-being. When conservative approaches like medications or physical therapy fail to provide significant or lasting relief, you may need surgery to diagnose or treat the source of your discomfort.
At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, our skilled OB/GYNs use minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible. These advanced methods involve smaller incisions that generally lead to less pain after surgery and a faster recovery.
Even with smaller incisions and faster healing, the idea of surgery can still feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect may help ease your concerns so you feel more prepared for the experience.
Understanding pelvic pain
Many women experience pelvic pain at some point, though its cause, intensity, and duration can vary greatly. In some cases, the cause is obvious, while it’s not so clear in others.
Common gynecological conditions that cause pelvic pain in women include:
However, not all pelvic pain stems from the reproductive organs. Digestive issues, urinary tract conditions, or musculoskeletal problems may also be to blame.
No matter the cause, we explore all nonsurgical interventions first. We consider surgery only when we’re confident that your pain originates from a gynecological condition.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Because of its location, surgery for pelvic pain typically requires incisions through the abdomen. In the past, this meant large incisions and long recovery periods. Today, minimally invasive surgery has transformed the process with smaller incisions and specialized tools.
Some of the minimally invasive techniques we may use when treating pelvic pain include:
Vaginal surgery
This technique allows us to access the reproductive organs through small incisions in the vagina, eliminating the need for abdominal incisions. It’s the least invasive approach and commonly used for hysterectomy and pelvic prolapse.
Laparoscopic surgery
Using a laparoscope, a thin flexible tube with a light and camera we insert through small incisions, we can see your internal organs without making large cuts through the abdominal wall.
Laparoscopic surgery can help us diagnose the cause of your pelvic pain and then perform surgery to treat it by inserting surgical tools through the laparoscope or through additional small incisions.
Robotic surgery
Robotic surgery is an advanced technique that combines laparoscopic techniques with robotic technology. It allows us to perform complex procedures through smaller incisions with better precision and flexibility.
Minimally invasive surgery helps us diagnose endometriosis, treat painful periods, and remove uterine fibroids.
Preparing for surgery
How you prepare for minimally invasive surgery depends on the type of surgery you need and the suspected cause of your pain. After presurgical imaging and labs, we review your plan and explain how to prepare.
You may need to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements for a set period of time to reduce risk of bleeding. You also need to stop eating and drinking the night before to prevent anesthesia-related complications.
Good nutrition, regular exercise, managing stress, and getting enough rest are healthy habits that can help you prepare for a smoother recovery.
Healing and recovery
Most minimally invasive surgeries are outpatient procedures, so you go home the same day. However, a hospital stay is possible if you need close monitoring and care following surgery.
Healing and recovery time varies based on the complexity and extent of your surgery, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. The caring team at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, provides individual post-op guidelines to ensure the fastest and safest recovery, and we’re just a phone call away if you have questions.
Minimally invasive surgery for pelvic pain often provides both answers and relief. If you’re struggling with ongoing discomfort, we’re here to help. Call us today in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, or schedule a consultation online to learn more about your options.
