New Division for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Established at UC San Diego

MIGS is characterized by a technological shift to smaller surgical incisions with lower postoperative pain severity and diminished discomfort during treatment of reproductive conditions. Patients who undergo MIGS procedures often avoid hospital admission, lengthy recovery, large surgical incisions with scar formation and complications synonymous with traditional open surgery.

“Most women are only offered one option for surgical treatment of gynecologic disorders. MIGS offers a breadth of options and enlists multidisciplinary teams as needed for shorter surgical recovery,” said Varon. “For example, hysterectomy with large abdominal incisions is, in most cases, not the only option. We offer robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies which can result in reduced pain, less blood loss, smaller scars and shorter hospital stays for patients.”

These minimally invasive procedures can be completed both in the clinic or in the hospital setting. In addition to reduced pain and healing time, MIGS can help preserve fertility. For patients with uterine fibroids, laparoscopic myomectomy (a procedure where surgeons remove the fibroids through small abdominal incisions) preserves the uterus in order to protect a patient’s reproductive health. Other MIGS innovative offerings include robotic-assisted procedures with enhanced precision using 3D magnification and vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES), an advanced, scarless technique with improved procedural visualization using endoscopic and laparoscopic instrumentation.

“I am elated to see our MIGS division materialize,” said Jorge Alvarado, M.D., assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology. “We have been providing expert minimally invasive gynecological surgery care for years now at UC San Diego Health, and our new designation as a division reinforces our dedication to our patients’ needs and the advancement of specialized gynecological care utilizing novel techniques and technology.”

Varon added that the division also offers minimally invasive procedures, such as operative hysteroscopy and endometrial ablation, that can be completed in the clinic versus the hospital setting. This allows for expedited scheduling and a more soothing environment for patients to undergo these procedures.

In addition, the new MIGS division will provide additional educational opportunities for current trainees in the department’s residency program. In a novel partnership with the Department of Radiology, the program will expand its advanced ultrasound training which is used to better visualize and diagnose endometriosis. Residents will also completed additional MIGS simulated training opportunities in the School of Medicine’s Simulation Training Center.

“The new division will add to the educational experience that our trainees receive and help to fill in some current gaps in resident education,” said Varon. “We are exploring other educational avenues that could include a sub-internship in MIGS for medical students interested in specializing in OB/GYN and possibly a dedicated MIGS fellowship track.”