Minimal access surgery for gynaecology

About

Our minimal access gynaecology service uses a range of medical and surgical options to help manage common and potentially debilitating gynaecological conditions such as fibroids (non-cancerous womb tumours), endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, ovarian cysts and polyps. Almost all operations are performed as 'keyhole' surgery, either via laparoscopic surgery (through small incisions in the abdomen or via hysteroscopic surgery (through the vagina without incisions on the abdomen).

We have a national reputation for advanced laparoscopic surgery and are recognised as a centre for surgical treatment of complex endometriosis by the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE). We are one of a small number of centres that can offer an extensive range of treatments for fibroids and in particular laparoscopic surgery for large and multiple fibroids. We also have a dedicated endometriosis and fibroid nurse specialist on our team.

Conditions and treatments

Our service uses medical treatments and we have a wide range of both hormonal and non-hormonal medication available.  In addition we can provide surgical and radiological procedures to treat gynaecological conditions such as:

• Fibroids: Myomectomy (removing fibroids) via keyhole surgery or open surgery, - uterine artery embolisation (UAE) to cut blood supply to fibroids and keyhole Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
• Endometriosis: Ablation or excision of endometriosis through keyhole surgery, keyhole hysterectomy, and sclerotherapy to endometriomas.
• Ovarian cysts: Excision or drainage via keyhole surgery, including for large tumours
• Menorrhagia (abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding): Endometrial ablation and resection (destruction or removal of the lining of the womb), and Hysterectomy

Further online resources

• NHS Choices – endometriosis
• NHS Choices – fibroids
• NHS Choices – laparoscopy