A 2018 TOP DOC Dr. Anurag Maheshwari provides expertise in liver and hepatobiliary diseases at Mercy's Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease.
Mercy's team of cancer doctors diagnose and treat melanoma, a very serious form of skin cancer.
Radiation Oncology at Mercy, led by esteemed radiation oncologist Dr. Maria Jacobs, offers cancer patients access to state-of-the-art radiation therapies in Downtown Baltimore.
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Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic surgery) is performed through one or several small incisions (about 1/4 -1/2 an inch in length) as opposed to larger incisions used in open surgery. When minimally invasive surgery is performed with the aid of a robot, it is known as robotic surgery.
Traditional minimally invasive surgery (without a robot) involves a video camera and surgical instruments that are inserted into the patient’s abdomen through several small incisions. This method allows the surgeon to remove the cancerous tissue, affected mass or compromised organ without cutting the stomach muscle. The camera transmits images to a computer screen in the Operating Room, which allows the surgeon to properly position the instruments and remove the tumor or affected organs.
Women often seek minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery because of the advantages it offers. Laparoscopic surgery generally provides patients distinct advantages including a faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and less scarring, however, not all women are candidates for this type of surgery.
Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery can be used to treat gynecologic cancers including ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers. Minimally invasive surgery may be used to help diagnose a cancer or to treat the cancer by removing a mass or pelvic organs compromised by cancer. When appropriate, minimally invasive surgery may be used in conjunction with other treatments including radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Laparoscopic surgery provides an alternative to the more invasive open surgery method for some gynecologic surgical procedures. Typically patients experience less scarring, shorter hospitals stays and a more rapid return to their daily activities when laparoscopic surgery can be performed instead of open surgery. The gynecologic oncologists of The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy work individually with each patient to determine if laparoscopic surgery may be the best treatment option for them. The doctors offer the following procedures in the laparoscopic method:
Laparoscopic surgery is one of the best alternative surgery options for women who are not candidates for robotic surgery and either do not need or choose traditional open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is an option women - in consultation with their surgeon - may want to consider for treatment of certain cancer diagnoses. Laparoscopic surgery also is a treatment option for the patient who needs a hysterectomy, removal of fibroids or treatment for other pelvic disorders.
Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes is a gynecologic surgeon who provides expertise in gynecologic cancers as well as minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Hear from a patient who opted for robotic GYN surgery after learning she had cervical cancer. She went on to return to work only two weeks after surgery.