Specialized Laparoscopic and da Vinci-Assisted Gynecologic Care from Dr. Ann Bertles
When gynecologic symptoms affect your quality of life, surgery can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, surgical care has evolved beyond traditional open operations that require large abdominal incisions and weeks of bed rest.Â
At Progressive Women’s Care, Dr. Ann Bertles offers minimally invasive gynecologic surgery designed to treat complex pelvic conditions with far less pain, smaller incisions, and a faster return to your everyday routine.
Whether you live locally or are searching for trusted minimally invasive gynecology surgery in Katy and the greater Houston area, our practice provides advanced care centered on your comfort, safety, and long-term wellness.
What Is Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery?
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery uses small incisions rather than a larger abdominal incision to access the pelvic organs. Depending on the procedure, Dr. Ann Bertles may use conventional laparoscopy or the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform the surgery. The approach depends on the patient’s condition, the procedure, and their individual circumstances.
How Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery Works
Traditional surgery (laparotomy) uses a large cut across the abdomen to access pelvic organs. In contrast, minimally invasive gynecology surgery relies on tiny incisions, often no larger than a dime, to evaluate and treat pelvic issues with extreme care.
Dr. Bertles utilizes two primary minimally invasive techniques based on your specific health needs:
Standard Laparoscopic Surgery
With laparoscopy, a tiny camera (laparoscope) and specialized instruments are placed through small abdominal incisions. The camera displays high-definition video of your pelvic cavity on a screen in the operating room, allowing Dr. Bertles to perform delicate procedures without open surgery.
da Vinci Robotic Surgery Gynecology
Robotic gynecologic surgery takes laparoscopy a step further using the da Vinci surgical system. Dr. Bertles guides high-precision robotic arms from a dedicated console in the operating room.
- 3D HD Magnification: Provides a clear, detailed, three-dimensional view of surrounding tissues, blood vessels, and nerves.
- Enhanced Instrument Mobility: The robotic instruments bend and rotate beyond the human hand’s range, making it easier to maneuver around delicate pelvic structures.
- Exceptional Control: Smooth, tremor-filtered movements allow for precise treatment in small or hard-to-reach areas.
Benefits for Patients
Choosing a minimally invasive or robotic procedure at Progressive Women’s Care offers practical advantages for your physical recovery and busy life:
- Smaller Incisions & Minimal Scarring: Tiny ports mean smaller marks that fade over time, rather than a large horizontal or vertical surgical scar.
- Less Post-Operative Pain: Minimal disruption to your abdominal muscles means significantly reduced discomfort and less reliance on prescription pain medications.
- Lower Risk of Infection: Smaller incisions reduce the risk of wound complications or infection during healing.
- Faster Recovery Time: Most patients resume light, normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks, compared to 6 to 8 weeks following traditional open surgery.
- Same-Day Discharge: Many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, letting you recover in the comfort of your own home the day of surgery.
Limitations to Robotic Gynecologic Surgery
While robotic and laparoscopic approaches are ideal for many women, they are not always the best choice for every situation. Exceptionally large fibroids, severe widespread scar tissue from multiple prior surgeries, or certain cancers may still require traditional open techniques.Â
Dr. Bertles thoroughly reviews your imaging and medical history to ensure you receive the safest, most effective approach.
Ideal Candidate for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
You may be a candidate for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery if you:
- Have a gynecologic condition that requires surgical treatment after evaluation and other appropriate treatments have been considered.
- Have symptoms that are persistent, worsening, or significantly affecting daily activities.
- Need a procedure such as hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometriosis surgery, or prolapse repair that can be performed laparoscopically or with da Vinci assistance.
- Have anatomy and medical circumstances that allow the planned procedure to be performed safely through minimally invasive access.
- Are seeking treatment that avoids a larger abdominal incision when a minimally invasive approach is appropriate.
Specialized Surgical Procedures
As the central hub for our advanced surgical options in Katy, TX, Progressive Women’s Care provides several tailored procedures depending on your health goals and diagnostic results:
obotic & Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
For women who require removal of the uterus, a minimally invasive or robotic hysterectomy offers a significant alternative to traditional open surgery. Tissue is removed through tiny abdominal ports or naturally through the vagina, avoiding large scars and reducing hospital stay time.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment & Robotic Myomectomy
If fibroids are causing pain or heavy bleeding but you wish to keep your uterus for fertility or personal preference, a robotic myomectomy removes the fibroids while carefully rebuilding the uterine wall.
Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery for Endometriosis
For persistent pelvic pain caused by endometriosis, minimally invasive surgery allows Dr. Bertles to locate and excise (remove) painful lesions and scar tissue while preserving healthy surrounding tissue.
What to Expect During Your Recovery
Because minimally invasive and robotic procedures use tiny incisions that preserve abdominal muscle, recovery is significantly faster and less painful than traditional open surgery. Most patients return home the same day and manage initial soreness with minimal medication. Light walking is encouraged immediately to promote circulation, and many women comfortably resume driving, light daily tasks, and desk work within 1-2 weeks.
Full internal healing typically takes 4-6 weeks, roughly half the time required for open abdominal surgery. During this phase, you will avoid heavy lifting (over 10–15 pounds) and maintain pelvic rest to allow tissues to heal properly. Dr. Ann Bertles provides dedicated follow-up care to monitor your progress and safely clear you to resume exercise and all normal activities.
Advanced Surgical Expertise at Progressive Women’s Care
Dr. Ann Bertles is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and has performed robotic gynecologic procedures using the da Vinci Surgical System since 2006. At Progressive Women’s Care, she provides minimally invasive gynecologic surgery for women in Katy and the greater Houston area, evaluating whether laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, or open surgery is appropriate based on the condition and procedure being treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is da Vinci robotic surgery performed by a robot or my doctor?
The da Vinci system does not perform surgery on its own and cannot act independently. Dr. Ann Bertles is in full control of the robotic arms and instruments at all times from a console inside the operating room. The technology simply translates her exact hand motions into micro-movements inside the body.
Is robotic surgery appropriate for everyone?
No. The appropriate surgical approach depends on the condition being treated, anatomy, medical history, previous procedures, and the specific operation required. Some patients may be better suited to laparoscopic or open surgery.
Is minimally invasive gynecologic surgery performed under general anesthesia?
Many minimally invasive gynecologic procedures are performed under general anesthesia, but the type of anesthesia depends on the specific procedure and your medical needs.
Will robotic gynecologic surgery leave scars?
Robotic surgery requires small incisions, so it leaves scars, but they are generally smaller than the incision used for open abdominal surgery. The number, location, and appearance of scars depend on the procedure and how your incisions heal.
Schedule Your Surgical Consultation in Katy, TX
Persistent pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and severe cramping should not control your everyday life. Take the first step toward relief and a faster recovery. Dr. Ann Bertles can evaluate your condition and discuss whether laparoscopic, da Vinci-assisted robotic, or another surgical approach is appropriate for you.
Contact Progressive Women’s Care today to schedule an evaluation.
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Meet The Team
Dr. Bertles is licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners and is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Amanda Smith, PA-C, spent the first 15 years of her career in primary care and is excited to join Progressive Women's Care and Dr. Bertles as she brings her primary care knowledge to women's health.
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