With single-incision laparoscopic surgery, patients experience less pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries compared to traditional surgical methods.
At the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, women needing gynecologic surgery such as hysterectomy or the removal of a pelvic mass now have access to virtually scarless surgery. With single-incision laparoscopic surgery performed by Nadim Bou Zgheib, MD, patients experience less pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries compared to traditional surgical methods.
"With a single-incision laparoscopic surgery, we make one small incision in the navel, leaving a single, almost invisible scar," said Dr. Bou Zgheib, a board-certified and fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologist at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Obviously that provides better aesthetic outcomes than open surgery and conventional laparoscopy, but the single-incision approach also reduces post-operative pain and decreases the risk of infection."
Single-incision laparoscopic surgery represents the latest advances in minimally invasive surgery, and Dr. Bou Zgheib is the only gynecologic surgeon in the Tri-State trained in this state-of-the-art technique. Many gynecologic conditions that are treated using conventional laparoscopy can also be treated with single-incision laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Bou Zgheib uses single-incision laparoscopic surgery to remove benign pelvic masses, stop abnormal uterine bleeding and remove polyps and fibroids, as well as to perform hysterectomies and remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes - procedures that are becoming more and more common in women with a high genetic risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
"The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center offers excellent risk assessment programs and genetic testing for individuals wishing to learn their risk of developing certain hereditary cancers," said Bou Zgheib. "The removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes can significantly reduce the risk of both ovarian and breast cancer in women who have an abnormal BRCA1 gene."
When appropriate, Dr. Bou Zgheib performs single-incision laparoscopic surgery using the da Vinci® Surgical System. Dr. Bou Zgheib is the only female cancer specialist in the region who perform minimally invasive da Vinci robotic surgery for gynecologic cancers.
"Staying on top of the latest research and technology is directly linked to our commitment to patients," Dr. Bou Zgheib said. "When you care about your patients, you want only the best for them. That's why we are dedicated to educating ourselves, getting better and better at what we do and acquiring the best and most innovative technologies. We want to be able to offer our patients the very best that's out there."
For Dr. Bou Zgheib, it is a lifelong commitment to patients that guides every new treatment and service he offers.
"In gynecologic oncology, we don't typically provide a service and send patients on their way," he said. "We develop a relationship with our patients that lasts a long time. We know their names; we know their families. We know what they did for Christmas and what they're going to do for Thanksgiving. That's why it's so important to me for my patients to know that they're getting the best care available today. And if they come back for care in the future, I want them to know that they'll receive the best care then as well."
For more information or to schedule and appointment, please call 304.399.6600.