Gynecological minimally invasive approach and medical therapy

Advantages of minimally invasive surgery are – shorter length of hospital stay, faster recovery, lower incidence of surgical site infections, less postoperative pain and blood loss, and lower rates of venous thromboembolus, sepsis, and postoperative ileus. Although, MIS is associated with reduced overall complications, they require longer operating room utilization. 

In the background of the ongoing pandemic, curtailing hospitalizations is a crucial step in assisting public health measures. Women with higher BMIs who undergo laparotomy are at an increased risk for higher rates of venous thromboembolus and wound infection.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly suggests the preference for minimally invasive approaches (for example – vaginal or laparoscopic, and robot-assisted) rather than abdominal hysterectomy whenever feasible, owing to the well-documented advantages of MIS. 

The conditions under consideration for MIS may include – urinary incontinence, vulvovaginal atrophy during menopause, cervical cancer, and vulval cancer.

Source: Minerva Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2021 Apr;73(2):125-126. doi: 10.23736/S2724-606X.21.04810-3.