Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery, Sydney
Dr Laarnie Pe Benito is a laparoscopic gynaecologist and advanced laparoscopic surgeon consulting at Women’s Care in Castle Hill. Surgery is only one of several options, and it is recommended only when it is the right choice for you.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive gynaecological surgery is performed through small cuts (laparoscopy) or through the vagina and cervix with no external cuts (hysteroscopy and vaginal surgery). Compared with open abdominal surgery, keyhole approaches generally involve smaller wounds, and for many women less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to normal activities. Not every operation can be done this way. The best approach depends on your condition, your previous surgery and your general health, and this is discussed with you.
Procedures
Dr Pe Benito performs the following procedures. Whether any of them is suitable for you can only be decided after a consultation.
Advanced laparoscopy
- Diagnostic laparoscopy, to look for causes of pelvic pain or other concerns
- Removal (excision) of endometriosis (see endometriosis and pelvic pain)
- Ovarian cystectomy and oophorectomy (see ovarian cysts)
- Adhesiolysis, to release scar tissue
- Bilateral salpingectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes), which may be performed for permanent contraception in women who have completed their families or alongside other surgery
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy
Advanced hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy uses a thin camera passed through the cervix to examine the inside of the uterus, and can be used for:
- removal of polyps and some fibroids, including with the MyoSure tissue removal system
- endometrial ablation for heavy periods
- curettage, to obtain tissue or to remove tissue from the uterus
See heavy periods, fibroids and adenomyosis.
Cervical surgery
For women with an abnormal cervical screening test result: colposcopy (a magnified examination of the cervix), cervical biopsy, and LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) or cone biopsy to remove abnormal cervical tissue.
Abdominal surgery
Abdominal hysterectomy and myomectomy, when keyhole surgery is not suitable, for example for very large fibroids or uteri.
Vaginal and prolapse surgery
Prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs descend into the vagina, often causing a sensation of heaviness or a bulge, and sometimes bladder or bowel symptoms. Non-surgical options such as pelvic floor physiotherapy are usually discussed first. Where surgery is appropriate, vaginal prolapse repair is available, and colpocleisis, a procedure that closes the vagina for women who no longer wish to have vaginal intercourse, may be considered in selected cases.
Is surgery necessary?
Many gynaecological conditions can be managed without surgery. Surgery is generally recommended when other treatments have not worked or are not suitable, when a diagnosis needs to be clarified, or when a condition requires removal of tissue. You are always welcome to take time to decide, and to seek a second opinion.
Risks and recovery
All surgery has risks. The general risks of gynaecological surgery include reactions to anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, blood clots, and injury to nearby structures such as the bowel, bladder, ureters or blood vessels. Occasionally a keyhole operation needs to be converted to open surgery, or further surgery is needed. Risks depend on the procedure and on your own health. They will be explained, along with expected recovery, before you consent to any operation. Recovery times vary with the procedure and the individual, and you will be given specific instructions on rest, activity and when to seek help.
Where surgery is performed
Dr Pe Benito’s private surgery is performed at Westmead Private Hospital. Consultations take place at Women’s Care, 79 Cecil Avenue, Castle Hill, serving women from Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Bella Vista, Cherrybrook, Glenhaven, Dural, Glenwood and across the Hills District and Sydney. The rooms can advise on costs and Medicare and private health insurance matters when you book.
Common Questions
What is laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is keyhole surgery. A thin camera and instruments are placed through small cuts in the abdomen, allowing the surgeon to see and operate inside the pelvis.
Will I need to stay in hospital?
It depends on the operation. Many hysteroscopic and some laparoscopic procedures are day surgery, while others need an overnight stay or longer. This is explained before your surgery.
How do I get a referral?
A referral from your GP is recommended. If you are unsure, contact the rooms on +61 2 8104 1555.
Consultation Enquiries
Dr Pe Benito is a female gynaecologist consulting at Castle Hill Women’s Care. A GP referral is recommended for Medicare rebates on specialist consultations. Please contact the rooms to arrange an appointment.