“The standard for this type of surgery that is primarily performed is called a Laparotomy” Dr. Volker said “A Laparotomy has a recovery time of 6-8 weeks after a patient initially spends 3-4 days in the hospital, and a lot of pain is involved with this traditional method”.

As the CEO and Chairman of The American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery (AIMIS), Dr. Volker performs 95 percent of his cases using the minimally invasive procedure instead of Laparotomy. The minimally invasive procedure allows patients a quicker recovery time with a significantly lower amount of pain. Small ports ranging from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters allow state of the art instruments access to perform the minimally invasive surgery. Alternative energy sources are used in lieu of the traditional method of electric coterie, for instance, with a sound wave doctors are able to seal, cut and clamp where needed.

When the Biography channel approached Dr. Volker about filming a segment to raise awareness, Dr. Volker graciously accepted. “Most women are not aware of this option,” Dr. Volker said, “I believe every woman should have a choice in their care”.

Dr. Volker in association with AIMIS and Las Vegas Minimally Invasive Surgery hosts training seminars, labs and hands on training. He stated, “It is my hope that we can train Women’s health care professionals with minimally invasive surgery, and that we can continue to raise the bar with quicker and more painless surgeries”.

Today, Dr. Volker spearheads a Las Vegas-based AIMIS Center of Excellence, with Dr. McCarus at the helm of his groundbreaking AIMIS Center of Excellence institution in Orlando, Florida. Together, they continue to grow the organization with member facilities across the nation. Partnerships with corporations, insurance providers and patient advocates further the institute’s standing as an organization dedicated to pioneering procedures with greater safety, efficacy and efficiency.

The American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery (AIMIS) is the  nation’s pre-eminent educator of advanced surgical techniques for  women’s health specialists. AIMIS brings together hospitals, surgeons,  clinics, medical technology companies, the insurance industry and  patients by providing a platform to deliver advanced surgical procedures  that improve health care for women of all ages.  AIMIS teaches and  supports minimally invasive gynecological and urogynecological surgical  methods and supports members with business strategies to help grow and  strengthen their practice while improving patient outcomes through  advanced surgical techniques. AIMIS also provides resources for  patients, corporate partners, physician members and affiliates to help  foster minimally invasive surgery techniques that provide speedier  recoveries, reduced scarring and lower costs.

Learn more about The American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery by visiting www.aimis.org

According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Surgery, more than 30% of breast biopsies are performed surgically instead of with minimally invasive procedures. That rate should be closer to 10%. This means more than 300,000 women each year undergo unnecessary surgery for breast biopsy.

The American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery offers advanced training for closed breast biopsies, also sometimes referred to as image-guided needle biopsies. This procedure is different from traditional breast biopsies in that it requires a smaller incision, local instead of general anesthesia, shorter recovery time and quicker results. A closed breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure wherein the lump or other abnormality in the patient’s breast is located using an ultrasound, then mammography confirms the center of the tissue area to be biopsied. Local anesthesia is administered, then the doctor makes a very small incision and inserts a needle directly into the area of abnormal tissue to remove a sample, or several samples for testing.

After the samples are taken, the doctor removes the needle and closes the incision with a small bandage. No stitches necessary! The biopsy procedure typically takes an hour or less to perform, and results are available a few days later.

If you’re concerned about a lump or abnormality in your breast, contact your doctor immediately to discuss a recommended course of action. You can also find an AIMIS physician near you to schedule a consultation.

Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas, are non-cancerous tumors made of fibrous tissue that can grow along the walls of the uterus. Often, they are so small that they don’t cause any symptoms and don’t require treatment. However, if a fibroid is large enough, or growing in a place that causes discomfort, pain or abnormal bleeding it may need to be removed.

Surgical removal of fibroids is called myomectomy and, in most cases, can be performed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic myomectomy does not require removal of the cervix or uterus, and many women retain their ability to have children after this minimally invasive surgery. And, as with other minimally invasive procedures, a laparoscopic myomectomy is less painful and doesn’t require as much recovery time as other myomectomy procedures can. You’ll be back to multitasking in no time!

An American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery physician is trained in the latest techniques and technology used to perform laparoscopic myomectomy, and can help you understand the benefits and risks of this kind of procedure.

What are my alternatives?

Having a total hysterectomy may not always be the best solution for your symptoms. If your doctor is unwilling to discuss your options or alternatives, you might consider seeing another doctor for a second opinion.

How will my symptoms or condition affect my health if I opt not to have the surgery?

Many women are concerned that their symptoms may improve with time, or disappear altogether without having to have a hysterectomy. Your doctor should be able to explain whether your condition may improve or deteriorate over time if you opt not to have the surgery.

How will my hysterectomy be performed? What should I expect before, during and after a hysterectomy?

Your doctor should explain the pros and cons of the type of hysterectomy he or she recommends. This information should include whether the hysterectomy will be laparoscopic, vaginal or abdominal, what kind and where the incisions will be made, any risks associated with the procedure, and what to expect afterward in terms of pain and recovery time.

Is it necessary to remove my cervix?

Depending on your condition, the doctor may need to remove all or part of your cervix. Be sure to ask about this as well as any additional options or complications you might have for this part of your hysterectomy.

How long will I be in the hospital?

Find out how long the hysterectomy will take, as well as how long you should expect to be in the hospital and/or on bed rest afterward.

How will my physical activity need to be limited after a hysterectomy?

Find out what you should reasonably expect to be able to do physically after your hysterectomy. Some procedures, including certain kinds of minimally invasive surgery may require very few restrictions to your physical activity during recovery time, while more invasive procedures such as an abdominal hysterectomy may have you off your feet for much longer.

Will I need additional treatments after my hysterectomy?

Ask about any follow-up visits or additional procedures you may need after your hysterectomy.

Will I still need to have annual check ups and pap smears after my hysterectomy?

Your doctor can help you understand what kind of regular health check-ups you should have after your hysterectomy.

These questions may seem personal, but you should never be bashful when it comes to educating yourself about your health care. If you have any questions that your gynecologist is unable to answer, it’s perfectly alright to ask him or her to provide additional resources or refer you to someone who can. If you’re still nervous, or worried you will forget to ask something important, you can print this list of questions to take with you to your pre-op appointment.