Minimally invasive and robotic procedures are our specialty. Our expert gynecologists are all board certified and recognized regionally for our advanced skills in laparoscopic and DaVinci robotic surgery. Yet, we understand the natural anxiety over the serious decision to undergo surgery. Before surgery we will assist you in exploring all of your options, including non-surgical treatments, so you can make an informed decision.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery, sometimes known as laparoscopic surgery, was once considered an alternative to traditional open surgery. We now consider it the treatment of choice for the majority of gynecology procedures. There are advantages to minimally invasive surgery, including:
- Smaller incisions
- Less pain and blood loss
- Many procedures are performed on an out-patient basis, such as hysterectomy
- Shorter hospital stay for inpatient procedures
- Quicker recovery
At Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists, more than 95% of our hysterectomies are performed using minimally invasive surgery. According to the American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery (AIMIS), the national average is 30%. Hysterectomies are the second most common surgery among women – nearly 1/3 of all women will need this procedure during their lifetime.
Standard laparoscopy, now called “straight stick,” offers patients the absolute smallest and most cosmetic incisions.
Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists also offers minimally invasive techniques for correction of stress urinary incontinence (urinary leakage treatment) using bladder slings, as well as minimally invasive techniques for pelvic floor prolapse.
daVinci Robotic Surgery
The ultimate in high-tech laparoscopy is the daVinci Robot Surgery. One of our surgeons performed the first robot-assisted hysterectomy in East Tennessee at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Dr. F. Robb McKeown is among the area’s most-experienced robotic surgery team.
At Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists, you have our resources, our expertise, and our promise of compassionate and complete surgical care. Contact us now for more information.
Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center are Nationally Recognized for Excellence in Women’s Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is the first hospital in Tennessee to be named a Center of Excellence for Minimally Invasive Women’s Surgery by AIMIS and is one of only 30 medical centers in the United States to earn the AIMIS Center of Excellence designation. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center’s laparoscopic and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, particularly laparoscopic hysterectomy, has produced excellent patient outcomes and meets the highest standards of quality and safety set by AIMIS. We are proud to announce that Dr. F. Robb McKeown and Dr. G. Walton Smith are AIMIS-accredited physicians.
AIMIS recognizes hospitals and physicians who excel and provide leadership in leading-edge women’s surgical techniques. For more information, please visit www.aimis.org. Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists also is affiliated with the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) “Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide.”