Minimally Invasive Surgery
This fact sheet was developed in collaboration with the Society of Reproductive Surgeons (SRS)
Revised 2023
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Surgery is termed “minimally invasive” if it uses small or no incisions (cuts). Surgeons see your body’s organs with the help of small telescopes and cameras to diagnose problems and guide surgery.
Some common types of minimally invasive surgery are listed below:
- Laparoscopy involves placing a lighted telescope (called a laparoscope) with a camera into your belly through a very small incision in the belly button. This allows the surgeon to see inside your belly and pelvis.
- Robotic laparoscopy uses laparoscopic instruments controlled by a surgeon seated at a console. It allows for increased range of motion of the instruments.
- Hysteroscopy uses a lighted telescope (called a hysteroscope) that is inserted through the vagina and cervix (bottom of the uterus) to see the inside of the uterus (womb). There are no incisions made.
Benefits of minimally invasive surgery
Fewer scars on the outside
Scars from minimally invasive surgery are much smaller than in traditional open surgery. Laparoscopy involves a one-half to 1-inch incision near the belly button and 1 to 3 others in the lower belly. These incisions are usually 1/2 inch long. Hysteroscopy leaves no scar because the instrument goes through the natural opening from the vagina into the uterus.
Fewer scars on the inside
In general, all surgery can cause adhesions or scar tissue inside your lower belly (abdomen). These scars can cause pain, problems with getting pregnant, or bowel blockage. Minimally invasive surgery may cause less scarring.
Quicker recovery
Minimally invasive surgery doesn’t usually require a patient to stay overnight in the hospital, compared to 2 to 4 days after open surgery. This reduces the risk of problems such as blood clots in the legs or infection.
Less pain, less medication
Because incisions are smaller, minimally invasive surgery is less painful than open surgery. This means that patients need less pain medication and recover more quickly.
Disadvantages of minimally invasive surgery
It’s not suitable for everyone
Some minimally invasive surgery is riskier for patients who have had previous “open” surgery in the upper or lower part of their belly or those with other medical problems. The surgeon may have other reasons to choose open, not minimally invasive, surgery. Not all surgeries can be done with minimally invasive techniques.
Special training and equipment
Surgeons need special training before they can perform minimally invasive surgery. Not all doctors are qualified to do these types of procedures, and not all hospitals have the special equipment necessary to do some or all these kinds of surgeries.
You should speak to your doctor to find out what type of surgery is best for you.
Laparoscopy
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Surgery can be used to treat problems with the ovaries or fallopian tubes, such as cysts, endometriosis, or infections. View the Fact Sheet
Treatment of uterine fibroids
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Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a form of laparoscopy. View the fact sheet
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy
Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy can be used for both diagnostic (looking only) and operative (looking and treating) purposes. View the booklet
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Women with endometriosis may experience infertility, pelvic pain, or both. This booklet will describe options for diagnosing and treating pain or infertility that may be attributed to endometriosis. View the BookletSurgery (reproductive)
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Conditions Treated with Surgery on the Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries
Surgery can be used to treat problems with the ovaries or fallopian tubes, such as cysts, endometriosis, or infections. View the Fact Sheet
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“Dilation and curettage” (D&C) is a short surgical procedure that removes tissue from your uterus (womb). You may need this procedure if you have unexplained or abnormal bleeding or if you have delivered a baby and placental tissue remains in your womb. View the Fact Sheet
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The inside of the uterus is like a balloon with the front and backwalls flat against each other. View the fact sheet
Nonhormonal Contraception
Despite a large number of contraceptive options available to couples, it is still thought that 50% of pregnancies in the United States are unintended. View the fact sheet
Treatment of uterine fibroids
Do all fibroids require treatment? Not usually, because most patients with fibroids do not have symptoms. View the fact sheet
Varicocele
A varicocele is a variation of normal anatomy in which veins in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles) become enlarged and sometimes even visible. View the fact sheet
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a form of laparoscopy. View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - What is an REI?
These experts in infertility lead IVF programs, perform reproductive surgery, and perform research to enhance the field of reproductive medicine. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Tubal Surgery in the IVF Era
In this episode of SART Fertility Experts, Dr. Brad Hurst and Dr. Mark Trolice, to review the indications for tubal surgery. Listen to the Episode
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
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Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy can be used for both diagnostic (looking only) and operative (looking and treating) purposes. View the bookletFact Sheets/Booklets
View more fact sheets and booklets written by the ASRM Patient Education Committee.
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The menopausal transition (perimenopause) is the period that links a woman’s reproductive (childbearing) years and menopause.
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