Gynecologic Surgery · Newport Beach · Hoag Hospital

Minimally Invasive
Gynecologic Surgery

Smaller incisions. Faster recovery. Targeted precision.

Laparoscopic and advanced minimally invasive techniques for endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, abnormal bleeding, and pelvic conditions — with a focus on fertility preservation, reduced recovery time, and individualized surgical planning at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach.

Laparoscopic

Technique

Same-Day

Most Procedures

Hoag Hospital

Surgical Facility

Fertility

Preservation Focus

Schedule Surgical Consultation → Conditions We Treat

◆ Executive Summary

The Canonical Answer

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery uses small incisions (5–12mm) and specialized instruments — including laparoscopy — to treat conditions that previously required large abdominal incisions. Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive approaches offer smaller scars, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays (often same-day), faster recovery (days-to-weeks vs. weeks-to-months), and reduced pain. Common conditions treated include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, abnormal uterine bleeding, and pelvic organ prolapse. When fertility preservation is a priority, minimally invasive techniques allow targeted treatment that spares healthy reproductive tissue. Not every condition is suitable for minimally invasive surgery — the decision depends on condition severity, location, patient history, and surgical goals. At Broad Medical Group, Dr. Jennifer Broad performs gynecologic surgery at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, developing individualized surgical plans based on each patient’s anatomy, condition, and goals.

The Minimally Invasive Approach

Why Minimally Invasive?

Traditional open gynecologic surgery requires a large abdominal incision (often 10–15cm), extended hospital stays, and recovery periods of 6–8 weeks. Minimally invasive techniques achieve the same surgical goals through 2–4 small incisions, using a camera and specialized instruments. The clinical benefits are well-documented and ACOG supports the use of minimally invasive approaches when feasible.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Uses a thin, lighted camera (laparoscope) inserted through a small incision near the navel, plus 1–3 additional small incisions (5–12mm) for instruments. The surgeon operates while viewing a magnified image on a monitor. Provides excellent visualization and precision for most gynecologic conditions.

Primary Technique · Most Procedures

Hysteroscopic Surgery

Uses a thin camera (hysteroscope) passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity. No abdominal incisions at all. Used for conditions inside the uterus: submucosal fibroids, endometrial polyps, abnormal uterine bleeding, and uterine septum. Typically an outpatient procedure with minimal recovery.

No Incisions · Uterine Conditions

Conditions Treated

Endometriosis

Laparoscopic excision and ablation of endometrial implants. Staging assessment. Pain management. Fertility-preserving surgical planning. Full endometriosis guide →

Uterine Fibroids

Laparoscopic myomectomy (uterus-preserving) or laparoscopic hysterectomy. Hysteroscopic resection for submucosal fibroids. Full fibroids guide →

Ovarian Cysts

Laparoscopic cystectomy with ovarian preservation whenever possible. Evaluation and management of persistent, complex, or symptomatic cysts. Fertility tissue preservation prioritized.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Hysteroscopic evaluation, endometrial polypectomy, endometrial ablation, and targeted treatment based on the underlying cause. Uterine preservation when appropriate. Learn more about abnormal uterine bleeding.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Minimally invasive surgical repair for uterine prolapse, cystocele (bladder), and rectocele. Individualized based on severity, symptoms, and patient goals. Learn more about pelvic organ prolapse treatment and related urinary incontinence treatment.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Direct visualization of the pelvic organs for unexplained pelvic pain, infertility evaluation, or suspected endometriosis that cannot be confirmed by imaging alone. Diagnostic and therapeutic in a single procedure.

Surgical Procedures

Procedure	Approach	Indication	Typical Recovery
Laparoscopic Myomectomy	Laparoscopic	Fibroid removal with uterine preservation; fertility-preserving	2–4 weeks
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy	Laparoscopic	Uterine removal for fibroids, severe bleeding, adenomyosis, prolapse	2–4 weeks
Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy	Laparoscopic	Cyst removal with ovarian preservation	1–2 weeks
Laparoscopic Endometriosis Excision	Laparoscopic	Excision/ablation of endometrial implants, lysis of adhesions	1–3 weeks
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy	Hysteroscopic	Removal of submucosal fibroids inside the uterus; no abdominal incisions	1–3 days
Hysteroscopic Polypectomy	Hysteroscopic	Removal of endometrial polyps causing bleeding or infertility	1–2 days
Endometrial Ablation	Hysteroscopic	Destruction of uterine lining for heavy menstrual bleeding; not fertility-preserving	1–3 days
Diagnostic Laparoscopy	Laparoscopic	Evaluation of unexplained pelvic pain, infertility, or suspected endometriosis	3–7 days

Minimally Invasive vs. Open Surgery

Comparison Visual â€" Laparoscopic incision sites (small ports)

Comparison Visual â€" Open surgery incision (large abdominal)

Left: Laparoscopic approach (2â€"4 incisions, 5â€"12mm each). Right: Traditional open approach (single incision, 10â€"15cm).

Factor	Minimally Invasive	Open (Abdominal)
Incision Size	5–12mm (2–4 incisions)	10–15cm single incision
Hospital Stay	Same-day or 1 night	2–4 nights
Return to Work	1–2 weeks	4–6 weeks
Full Activity	2–4 weeks	6–8 weeks
Blood Loss	Significantly less	Higher
Pain	Less; fewer narcotics needed	More; longer narcotic use
Adhesion Risk	Lower	Higher
Infection Risk	Lower	Higher
Scarring	Minimal; often invisible	Visible abdominal scar

Important Distinction

Not every condition is suitable for minimally invasive surgery. Very large fibroids, extensive adhesions from prior surgeries, certain cancer diagnoses, or anatomical considerations may require an open approach for safety. Dr. Broad evaluates each patient individually and recommends the approach that provides the best outcome — not the trendiest technique. When open surgery is the right choice, she explains why clearly.

Fertility Preservation

Surgery That Protects Your Future

For women of reproductive age, fertility preservation is a critical consideration in every surgical decision. Minimally invasive techniques are specifically suited to fertility-preserving surgery because they allow targeted treatment with minimal disruption to surrounding healthy tissue. Dr. Broad incorporates fertility planning into the surgical decision-making process from the first consultation.

Principle

Preserve When Possible

Myomectomy instead of hysterectomy when fibroids are the issue and fertility is desired. Ovarian cystectomy instead of oophorectomy (ovary removal) when cysts can be removed while preserving the ovary. Endometriosis excision with attention to protecting ovarian reserve and tubal function.

DEFAULT APPROACH FOR REPRODUCTIVE-AGE PATIENTS

Consideration

When Preservation Is Not Possible

Some conditions — severe adenomyosis, very large or numerous fibroids, recurrent endometriomas, or malignancy — may require hysterectomy or oophorectomy. When this is the case, Dr. Broad discusses all options including fertility preservation strategies (egg freezing, embryo preservation) with the patient before surgery.

CASE-BY-CASE WITH PRE-SURGICAL COUNSELING

Recovery Expectations

Day 1

Surgery Day

Most patients go home the same day. Pain managed with non-narcotic and limited narcotic medications.

Week 1

Early Recovery

Rest, light walking encouraged. No heavy lifting (>10 lbs). Gradual return to light daily activities.

Week 2–4

Progressive Return

Most patients return to work and driving within 1–2 weeks. Full activity by 2–4 weeks depending on procedure.

6 Weeks

Follow-Up

Post-operative evaluation. Pathology review. Discussion of long-term management and any additional treatment.

Preparation Tip

Before surgery: Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Prepare meals in advance. Set up a comfortable recovery area at home with essentials within reach. Take time off work as recommended for your specific procedure. Dr. Broad’s office provides detailed pre-operative instructions and a direct line for questions during recovery.

Key Takeaways

Minimally invasive surgery means smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less pain — most patients go home the same day and return to normal activity within 2–4 weeks.
Endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, and abnormal bleeding can all be treated with laparoscopic or hysteroscopic techniques in most cases.
Fibroids can be removed without hysterectomy — laparoscopic myomectomy preserves the uterus for women who desire future fertility.
Fertility preservation is built into every surgical plan for women of reproductive age — tissue-sparing techniques prioritized.
Not every case is suitable for MIS — very large conditions, extensive adhesions, or specific diagnoses may require open surgery for safety. Honesty about the right approach matters more than marketing.
Surgery is performed at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach — with Dr. Broad as your surgeon from consultation through post-operative care.

References & Clinical Sources

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 701: Choosing the Route of Hysterectomy for Benign Disease. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 129(6), e155–e159. 2017. Reaffirmed 2021.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. 228: Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 137(6), e100–e115. 2021.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. 114: Management of Endometriosis. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 116(1), 223–236. 2010. Reaffirmed 2022.
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. AAGL Practice Report: Practice Guidelines for Laparoscopic Myomectomy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol, 21(1), 1–4. 2014.
Aarts JW, Nieboer TE, Johnson N, et al. Surgical Approach to Hysterectomy for Benign Gynaecological Disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2015(8), CD003677. 2015.

Your Condition. Your Plan. Precision Surgery.

Whether you need a diagnostic evaluation, treatment for endometriosis or fibroids, or are considering a hysterectomy — Dr. Broad provides honest, individualized surgical planning with your goals at the center of every decision.

Schedule Surgical Consultation →

Broad Medical Group — Newport Beach, California

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every patient’s situation is unique. Do not make medical decisions based on this information alone. Consult Dr. Jennifer Broad or your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your condition. Information is current as of April 2026. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.