Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Why minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is known to reduce surgical complications and pain, and lead to faster recovery time from surgery for patients compared to open surgery.* Dr. Douglas Waterman specializes in using minimally invasive surgery, when possible, to address problems with the pelvic floor, bladder, and abdominal regions. Dr. Waterman uses vaginal, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery as an innovative alternative to other, more invasive forms of surgery.
What is Laparoscopic Surgery
A laparoscopy is a procedure that uses a laparoscope, a small telescope with a camera and light attached, to explore the abdominal cavity. Used as an alternative to an open incision surgical procedure, a laparoscopy can be used to be treat many gynecological conditions. Using several small (5 mm) skin incisions, a video telescope and small instruments are inserted to explore the pelvic and abdominal areas, giving Dr. Waterman an in-depth look at the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. A laparoscopy is often used to diagnose and treat ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and some cases of prolapse. While laparoscopic surgery cannot be used to treat all gynecological issues, it is an excellent alternative, when available, to more invasive surgical procedures.
What is hysteroscopic surgery?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure that uses a hysteroscope, a small telescope with a camera and light attached, to explore the uterus through the vaginal and cervical canal, displaying images onto the screen for Dr. Waterman to review as it reaches the uterus. A hysteroscopy is used to diagnose and treat many problems involving the female reproductive tract.* Some of the most common indications for hysteroscopy are: investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding, multiple miscarriages, locating and retrieving an undetectable IUD, and adhesion removal. During your diagnostic hysteroscopy (just taking a look) with Dr. Waterman medication or anesthesia is administered as required to prevent discomfort. Operative hysteroscopy always requires anesthesia.
What is vaginal surgery?
Vaginal surgery describes a surgical procedure that is done all through the vagina. Many types of pelvic floor repairs, some hysterectomies and removal of fallopian tubes can be done with this surgical approach. This is the truest form of minimally invasive surgery as there are no incisions whatsoever on the abdominal wall. Dr. Waterman is a very experienced vaginal surgeon and uses this approach whenever it is feasible.
Referral from Family Physician
If you are experiencing any symptoms that could be diagnosed and treated using laparoscopic, hysteroscopic surgery, or a combination of the two, please contact your family physician to receive a referral to Dr. Waterman’s practice located in New Westminster, BC. If you do not have a medicine provider, simply call our office at (604) 528-9042 for assistance in obtaining a referral.
*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee