Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally Invasive, Personalised Treatment
We specialise in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques, including complex hysteroscopic, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, to treat a range of gynaecological cancers, precancers and complex benigngynaecological conditions. Unlike traditional methods, minimally invasive surgery is performed using small, precise incisions and thus is a safer alternative with many other benefits. Minimally invasive surgical procedures are associated with significantly less blood loss during surgery, less scarring, less postoperative pain and faster recovery than traditional open surgery. This allows patients to recover faster and return to their lives and daily activities. We are committed to improving the quality of life of our patients – and work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
Treating the Full Range of Conditions
Depending on your personal history and symptoms, we may recommend one or a combination of minimally invasive treatments to address your individual condition. We treat a wide range of gynaecological conditions including:
- Endometrial cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Sarcomas
- Ovarian cysts and pelvic masses
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Pelvic organ prolase
- Polyps
- Heavy and abnormal periods
What to Expect
Our consultation process involves a thorough discussion of treatment options, both innovative and traditional, that are uniquely suited to address individual conditions and medical history. We work together with our patients to develop an optimal treatment plan. Patient questions and feedback are an important part of each visit.
We also welcome women who are seeking a second opinion on treatment options for any benign or malignant gynaecological condition. We are available for on-site and virtual consultation services at every stage of your health care journey.
Procedures we offer
Hysteroscopic surgery
This minor procedure involves looking inside the uterus with a small telescope. Using a video monitor your doctor can inspect the inside of the uterus for any abnormalities. After the hysteroscopy the cervix is gently opened to allow a biopsy of the lining of the uterus to be taken (known as an endometrial biopsy). This has mostly replaced the traditional Dilatation and Curettage or Curette, which is only occasionally performed.
An operative hysteroscopy is a procedure whereby instruments are passed through fine channels inside the hysteroscope. Using these instruments abnormalities in the uterus may be removed by cutting with very small scissors or by using electrical current (diathermy).
Laparoscopic procedures
Laparoscopic gynaecological surgery is performed through 2 to 4 small incisions in your abdominal wall.
The camera (telescope) is usually placed through a hole just below your umbilicus (belly button) and the instruments are passed through the other small incisions in order to perform the surgery. Carbon dioxide gas is used to distend the abdomen to allow visualization of the internal organs.
Advantages of the small incisions include less bleeding, less risk of infection, less pain, and faster recovery.
Robotic procedures
Robotic surgery is a type of laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon makes three to four small incisions: one for a magnified, high-definition 3-D camera that guides the surgeon during the procedure, and two or three others for the robotic instruments that allow the surgeon maximum range of motion and surgical precision. The surgeon controls the instruments and the camera from a console located next to the patient in the operating room.
Why robotic surgery?
The main benefits of robotic surgery in comparison with traditional laparoscopy are:
- Better visibility due to 3D screen which allows estimation of depth
- Higher range of movements compared to the restricted rotation of the human hand
- Increased stability of surgical tools, which eliminates the slight tremor of human hand
- More accuracy of surgical movements as a result of the above
- Seated position of the gynaecologic surgeon and general ergonomics that minimise physical fatigue, especially in surgeries with longer duration
The benefits of a robotic surgery are even more important in demanding surgeries, such as oncology surgeries, the removal of enlarged uterus (total hysterectomy) or uterine fibroids, the treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and the repair of pelvic organ prolapse. The use of robotic technology allows minimally invasive approach for highly complicated surgeries due to better vision and dexterity offered by the robotic Instrumentation.
For the above conditions, studies suggest that the potential benefits of robotic surgery include:
- Patients may experience fewer complications compared to patients who had open surgery and a comparable complication rate to patients who had laparoscopic surgery.
- Patients may stay in the hospital for a shorter amount of time compared to patients who had open surgery and similar, though sometimes shorter, amount of time compared to patients who had laparoscopic surgery.
- With robotic surgery, patients may have a few small incisions compared to an open procedure and, after surgery, a few small scars.
Excellence in Minimally Invasive Surgical Care
Dr. Tranoulis is highly experienced in the treatment of gynaecological cancers and complex benign gynaecological conditions and a recognised leader in his field. International studies have demostrated that surgeons performing higher volumes of particular procedures can often offer patients better outcomes, such as shorter hospital stays and fewer complications. Dr. Tranoulis is a double board-certified Gynaecological Oncologist with subspecialisation in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. He is also certified robotic surgeon by the Society of European Robotic Gynaecological Surgery (SERGS).
Dr. Tranoulis offers the latest surgical innovations with emphasis on minimally invasive procedures. These include:
- Robotic-assisted and laparoscopic hysterectomy with surgical staging for women with endometrial and cervical cancer
- Comprehensive lymph node dissection to identify microscopic spread of cancer that otherwise might escape detection by imaging tests
- Sentinel lymph node technique, which is associated with higher diagnostic accuracy and less intra-operative complications
- Laparoscopic and robotic surgery for complex gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids and pelvic organ prolapse