Whether linked to fibroids, chronic pain, or heavy bleeding, some conditions can only be resolved through surgery. It is the last resort, but the good news is that new advances, available at Duke, mean virtually no scars and accelerated healing time.

When you’re ready to take the next step, the OB–GYN experts of Duke Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery are here to offer personalized care and state-of-the-art alternatives to open surgery.

We treat a range of benign gynecological conditions, including:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Ovarian cysts and masses
• Endometriosis and pelvic pain
• Uterine fibroids
• Surgical sterilization

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Many of these conditions can be treated through a minimally invasive approach. Minimally invasive surgical options generally include hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery. The advantages of minimally invasive procedures include:

• Faster recovery times
• Minimal scarring
• Reduced blood loss and infection rates
• Less postoperative pain

Types of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Our surgeons offer the following types of minimally invasive surgery tailored to fit our patients' needs:

Hysteroscopic Surgery

Hysteroscopic surgery involves placing a small camera through the cervix to look at the inside of the uterus. Specialized instruments can be passed through the camera which allows the surgeon to operate inside the uterus without an incision.

Read what to expect before, during, and after hysterscopy

Laparoscopic Surgery

Patients having laparoscopic surgery will have a small incision inside or near the belly button, and may have other small (less than 1cm) incisions beneath the belly button. These small incisions allow the passage of a camera and special instruments into the abdomen, allowing the surgeon to carry out the surgery.

Laparoscopy can be used to perform:

• Evaluations for pelvic pain
• Treat endometriosis
• Remove ovarian cysts
• Hysterectomy

Our skilled providers tailor the treatment plan and surgical approach to each individual patient. Together, you and your provider will decide which approach is best for you and your condition.

For more information about minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, learn about the Duke Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.

Appointments

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 919-684-2471. To find a physician or get a referral, call 888-ASK-DUKE (888-275-3853).

Nurse Practitioner

• Alice Cooper, NP
  Obstetrics and Gynecology / Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Andrews, Paul S.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Durham OB Division
• Artis, Avis A.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Harris & Smith Division
• Avery, Katrina H.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Harris & Smith Division
• Broach, Amy
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
• Choi, Mina N.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Harris & Smith Division
• Clifford, Susann L.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / Duke Women's Health Associates
• Cole, MargEva M.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Durham OB Division
• Duncan, Richard D. III
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Durham OB Division
• Fetko, Linda L.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Durham OB Division
• Floyd, Serina E.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / Duke Women's Health Associates
• Ford, Anne C.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / Duke Women's Health Associates
• Harris, Charles O.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Harris & Smith Division
• Heath, Stacey M.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Harris & Smith Division
• Jarvis, Amber M.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Durham OB Division
• Kerner, Nicole P.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / Duke Women's Health Associates
• MacLaurin, Nancy A.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Durham OB Division
• Nieves, Angel
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / Duke Women's Health Associates
• Piscitelli, Joanne T.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / Duke Women's Health Associates
• Quinn, Michele T.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / Duke Women's Health Associates
• Smith, Ira Q.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / OB/GYN-Harris & Smith Division
• Sobolewski, Craig J.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology / Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
  3116 North Duke Street, Durham, NC 27704
• Duke OB-GYN Consultants
  2406 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27607
• Duke Women's Health Associates Brier Creek
  10211 Alm Street, Suite 212, Raleigh, NC 27617
• Duke Women's Health Associates at Patterson Place
  5324 McFarland Drive, Suite 300, Durham, NC 27707
• Durham Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) at North Duke Street
  Central Professional Park, 2609 N. Duke St., Suite 204, Durham, NC 27704
• Durham Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) at Sutton Station
  Sutton Station, 5726 Fayetteville Road, Suite 101, Durham, NC 27713
• Harris & Smith OB-GYN
  4116 Capitol Street, Durham, NC 27704
• Harris & Smith OB-GYN at Patterson Place
  5324 McFarland Drive, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27707