Advance Women's Health Institute Michael L. Moore, M.D. 210 University Blvd. Suite 500 Denver, CO 80206 USA Office: 303.321.2255 Toll Free: 1.800.577.4295 Fax: 303.321.0856		View a Topic: __________________________________ Minimally Invasive Surgery: What is It? How is It Different From Other Surgery? What Procedures are Performed? Do I Need General Anesthesia? Is It For Me? Most Common Questions Minimally invasive surgery is performed using scopes rather than large incisions. A laparoscope or hysteroscope is used to perform the particular minimally invasive surgery. DEFINITIONS: Laparoscope- The laparoscope is a narrow scope with multiple lenses used to look inside the abdomen. The scope has a video camera attachment so that the surgeon can view the abdominal and pelvic cavity without a large incision. The picture of the internal structures is projected onto a video monitor like a TV. Other instruments can be inserted through 2-3 accessory ports. The incisions are 1/4 to 1/2 inch or smaller. Because there are only a few small incisions rather than a single large incision, the patient is usually able to go home the day of the operation. Hysteroscope- The hysteroscope is a small scope that is inserted through the cervix and into the uterine cavity to remove fibroids, polyps, or perform infertility surgery. Because there are no abdominal incisions, the recovery after hysteroscopic surgery is faster than after laparoscopy, and much faster than an abdominal incision. In some cases, a woman may have to have a combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic surgery. Return to top Welcome l Minimally Invasive Surgery l Services & Care l Clinical Trials l Insurance and Terms Ask the Physician l Home l Contact Us Copyright © 2001-2003 Advanced Women's Health Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.