Mary Washington Healthcare is dedicated to the health and well-being of
women throughout our community. Our hospitals and specialty practices
serve the OB/GYN needs of our patients throughout their life stages.
Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery at Stafford Hospital
Every year, Stafford Hospital surgeons perform hundreds of minimally-invasive
gynecological surgeries to treat a range of conditions, including:
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Ovarian cysts and masses
Pelvic organ prolapse
Stress urinary incontinence
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Pelvic pain
Infertility (due to detached fallopian tubes)
Patients with these conditions may undergo a laparoscopic surgery, which
requires much smaller incisions than traditional surgery. Stafford Hospital
offers the following laparoscopic procedures:
Hysterectomy
Tubal ligation
Tubal reversal
Ovarian cyst removal
Performing these procedures using minimally-invasive approaches offers
several benefits over traditional surgery. These can include:
Less pain after surgery
Minimal scarring
Shorter recovery time
Lower risk of infection
Some patients who undergo a laparoscopic procedure can return home the
same day. This depends upon a consultation with the surgeon and post-surgery
evaluation.
Nationally Recognized for Quality and Safety
As part of our commitment to exceptional gynecological care, Stafford Hospital
is one of only five Virginia hospitals certified as a Center of Excellence
in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) by the Surgical Review Corporation.
Programs that earn this designation must:
Adhere to the highest standards of excellence when performing minimally-invasive
gynecological surgeries
Work continuously to improve patient safety
Verify compliance with a rigorous site inspection
Meet stringent requirements related to number of procedures performed annually,
equipment and instruments, patient education, quality assessment, and more
The comfort and safety of our patients is our top priority at Stafford
Hospital. Patients who are receiving gynecologic care here can expect
a quiet, clean, and soothing environment that is conducive to healing.
No matter the procedure, our patients enjoy a personalized experience
in a convenient and private setting.
To find a COEMIG-certified physician, call MWHC Health Link at
540.741.1404.
Treating Gynecological Cancer
Women with uterine and other gynecologic cancers can now undergo complex
surgical procedures close to home. Local OB/GYN physicians have partnered
with Mid-Atlantic Pelvic Surgery Associates, expert gynecologic oncologists
who are now on staff at Mary Washington Hospital.
Cancers that occur in different areas of the pelvis, such as cervical,
endometrial, or ovarian cancers are defined as gynecologic cancers. These
types of cancer can spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
According to the CDC, 71,000 women are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer
each year in the United States. Gynecologic cancers have several possible
treatments, including hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
The most common treatment is the surgical removal of the uterus, known
as a hysterectomy.
Minimally-invasive GYN surgery can also be used for:
Suspicious masses – Most masses near or on the ovaries can be removed
with a minimally-invasive approach. Once removed, our pathology team evaluates
the mass under a microscope to determine if it is a cancer.
Challenging hysterectomies – We can now offer minimally-invasive
approaches to patients whose medical conditions or previous surgical history
would have required a more invasive procedure.
Advances in equipment and techniques now allow hysterectomies to be performed
with tiny abdominal incisions through which the surgeon works with the
aid of miniature cameras with microscopes, tiny fiber-optic flashlights,
high-definition monitors, and specialized precision tools.
Highly advanced, minimally-invasive surgery is often a viable option for
women with gynecologic cancers and other challenging conditions. It results
in shorter hospital stays, with dramatic decreases in postoperative discomfort
and scarring. Our surgeon will work directly with you and your OB/GYN
to determine if this type of procedure is the safest, most appropriate
surgical treatment for your condition.
These surgeons work collaboratively with Mary Washington Healthcare credentialed
medical and radiation oncologists, as well as OB/GYN physicians to determine
the most appropriate plan of care.
MWHC Cancer Nurse Navigators
The MWHC Cancer Nurse Navigator Program is available to help you with determining
your next steps if you have been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer.
Call one of our Cancer Navigators at
540.741.1769 to discuss the minimally-invasive surgical treatment options available
at Mary Washington and Stafford Hospitals.
.jpg)
