Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), also known as laparoscopic surgery, is an alternative to traditional open surgical procedures for gynecologic cancer.
MIS allows the surgeon to remove all or parts of your tumor using several small incisions rather than one large incision.
What is MIS?
For the procedure, experts at the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC:
- Make one or more small incisions
- Insert an endoscope — a flexible tube with a light and camera attached that allows the insertion of small surgical instruments
- Can control the instruments remotely to carry out the procedure
Benefits of MIS
MIS is ideal for gynecologic cancers and typically offers the following advantages:
- Less bleeding and scarring
- Reduced pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker recovery
- Earlier return to normal activity
- Smaller scars
