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Testimonials From The Second Annual Laparoscopic & Robotic Hysterectomy Conference

“This was an excellent conference. Best I’ve been in years!!!”

“This was one of the best conferences I attended in recent years. It helped me gain more knowledge regarding different skills that I will be able to incorporate in my practice. It also taught me different ways to approach and manage difficult situations.”

“The lectures were absolutely amazing, especially on Friday.  The hands on trainers were wonderful and I plan to utilize one to hone my skills!”

“So informative and simply practical. The Nezhat’s were so obliging. All the presenters and mentors were very available to answer questions.”

“The lectures were so well balanced with the practical aspects. It provided both knowledge as well as the technical skills.”

“I really enjoyed the pelvic trainer sessions. I thought it really complemented the program. It introduced me to some of the things available to make TLH easier for our practice.”

“The best of it was time spent working with laparoscopic trainers. The intellectual knowledge can be gained in multiple ways, but hands on practice is necessary to feel comfortable with a procedure.  Great job, everyone!”

“This course has given me confidence to attempt new techniques and use alternate surgical devices”

“I have already put in use some of the techniques I learned from my mentor at the skills lab.  Thank you!!!!”

“I am already using new equipment keeping in mind the safety measures as repeatedly told in the conference to avoid complications.”

Ten ABC Women’s Health Videos Feature St. Luke’s-Roosevelt OB/GYN’s Jacques Moritz, MD, and Michelle Francis, MD

In the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jacques Moritz, MD, is director of the Gynecology Division; Michelle Francis, MD, is director of the Medical Student Education Program. Both are practicing obstetrician-gynecologists. Click on each title to watch!

• What Foods to Eat or Avoid While Pregnant
  
  
• What Do I Need to Know About HPV?
  
  
• What is Osteoporosis?
  
  
• What are the Reasons for Infertility?
  
  
• How Important is Breastfeeding?
  
  
• Is HRT the Best Choice for Hot Flashes?
  
  
• What Happens During a Gynecological Exam?
  
  
• What Should Women Know About Exercise?
  
  
• What Should Women Know About Cancer?
  
  
• Why is a Pap Smear Important?

AN EXPERT’S VIEWPOINT:

The Least-Invasive Route for Gynecologic Surgery is Through the Vagina

Lisa Dabney, MD
Specialist in Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals

There has been a lot of talk in the media about minimally-invasive surgery for uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and other noncancerous gynecologic problems. The route discussed for these surgeries is usually laparoscopic; that is, through small incisions in the abdomen for insertion of a camera and instruments. While this approach has revolutionized some procedures, especially those for cancer cases, sometimes the practice of laparoscopy overshadows the least invasive approach for noncancerous gynecological conditions: the vaginal approach.

An incision made though the vagina heals almost without a scar and causes minimal postoperative pain for the patient. Such an incision allows access to, and removal or repair of, affected pelvic organs and their support structures. This is logical: the vagina is right next to the areas of concern. There is no need to cut through abdominal muscles, push away bowels, and distend the abdomen with air. Cysts and fibroids can also be removed through the vaginal, as well.

Women are given a variety of reasons why they cannot have vaginal surgery: because they have had prior pelvic surgery, such as cesarean section or myomectomy; because they haven’t had any vaginal deliveries; or, because their fibroids are too large. 

None of these are reasons to exclude the vaginal approach, if the surgeon is experienced with it. In fact, for most patients, the surgical route of choice should always be through the vagina. Adding the laparoscope only increases the time in surgery, amount of anesthesia, and amount of postoperative pain and length of recovery time for the patient.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that vaginal surgery is the route of choice when performing hysterectomy for noncancerous indications. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to hysterectomy and to other types of gynecologic surgery these days. But if you find you need gynecologic surgery, the vaginal approach is almost always the best approach. 

St. Luke’s and Roosevelt hospitals and United Healthcare/Oxford signed a new contract on Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

The contract is for all product lines, and is effective retroactively to March 1. Women with these managed-care plans will continue to receive in-network coverage for all services through the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

St. Luke’s Hospital Muhlenberg Auditorium, Fourth Floor West 113th Street (Between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive) New York, NY 10025

The Eighth Continuum Health Partners Obstetrics and Gynecology Conference Obstetric and Gynecology in 2008: Novel Approaches and Clinical Controversies May 15 and 16, 2008 Sponsored by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals. CME Credit Certified by Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals. For registration and additional information, please download the attached PDF of the conference brochure, or contact Course Coordinator Charlene Bellamy at

Our "New" Obstetric Simulator The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has recently acquired an obstetric birthing simulator for the sole purpose of preparing, educating and evaluating obstetric residents in the management of rare but life-threatening labor and delivery scenarios. Learn More

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