R. Wayne Whitted MD, MPH
8740 North Kendall Dr.
Suite 101
Miami, Florida 33176-2212
Phone: 305-596-3744
Fax: 305-596-3676
www.drwhitted.net
Raymond Wayne Whitted MD, MPH
...dedicated to healthy lifestyles and safe, state-of-the-art
surgery for women of all ages.
Laparoscopy
To diagnose and treat many gynecologic prob-
lems, laparoscopy provides a minimally invasive
approach to look into the abdomen and at the
reproductive organs.
The word laparoscopy means "look into the ab-
domen." A laparoscope is a small telescope that
is inserted into the abdomen through a small
incision (cut). It brings light into the abdomen so
the doctor can see inside. The view is better be-
cause it is magnified. Laparoscopy is usually
done on an outpatient basis—you don't have to
stay in the hospital overnight. Occasionally, you
might need to stay 23 hours.
To diagnose and treat many gynecologic prob-
lems, laparoscopy provides a minimally invasive
approach to look into the abdomen and at the
reproductive organs.
The word laparoscopy means "look into the ab-
domen." A laparoscope is a small telescope that
is inserted into the abdomen through a small
incision (cut). It brings light into the abdomen so
the doctor can see inside. The view is better be-
cause it is magnified. Laparoscopy is usually
done on an outpatient basis—you don't have to
stay in the hospital overnight. Occasionally, you
might need to stay 23 hours.
Dr. Whitted is dedicated to safe, state-of-the-art,
innovative surgeries and healthy lifestyles for
women of all ages. In a nurturing environment,
the physicians and staff strive to promote a part-
nership in your healthcare and make every effort
to bridge the sterile science of diseases with your
emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. Every-
one is confronted with difficult healthcare deci-
sions at one time or another. You’ll want your
physician and staff to have the knowledge, experi-
ence, and sensitivity to guide you safely through
the decision-making process.
Dr. Whitted provides comprehensive gynecologic
office and surgical healthcare. He is certified in
laparoscopy and hysteroscopy and is an expert in
advanced gynecologic surgery. He has been a
national speaker, trainer, and researcher in ad-
vanced surgical techniques. In addition, Doctor
Whitted is a Certified Menopause Clinician who
educates, trains, and has done research in the
science of menopause. Finally, he is certified in
advanced colposcopy.
Doctor Whitted offers expert education and care in
the following areas:
If you need surgery, Dr. Whitted performs most
gynecologic surgeries with minimally invasive
techniques to reduce hospitalization, recovery,
scarring, discomfort and absence from work in
most cases.
Abnormal Paps (HPV) Loss of Urine
Abnormal Menstrual Cycles Menopause
Bladder Prolapse Ovarian cysts
Chronic Pelvic Pain Osteoporosis
Endometriosis Rectocele
Ectopic Pregnancy Uterine Prolapse
Family Planning Vaginal Prolapse
Fibroids (Leiomyoma) Well-Woman visit
***Evaluation and Diagnosis of Gynecologic Cancers
Laparoscopy is used to evaluate and treat
most gynecologic problems. Since 1992 it has
replaced the need for laparotomy (large ab-
dominal incisions) in many areas of gynecol-
ogy. Below are some examples of uses of
laparoscopy.
How is it performed?
After you undergo general anesthesia, the
“tummy” is prepped with cleaning solution. Usu-
ally a catheter is then placed in the urinary bladder
to drain the bladder and a manipulating device is
placed inside the uterus so it can be moved
around during the surgery.
A 1 cm incision (cut) is then made directly in the
“belly button” and the laparoscope is place
through a trocar that is placed through this inci-
sion. The abdominal cavity is distended with CO2
gas in order to visualize the entire cavity. Ancil-
lary port sites are then placed on either side of the
abdomen through 1/2-1cm incisions. 3-5 mini-
incisions may be made to perform a laparoscopic
gynecologic surgery.
Comparison of Incisions
The number and location of incisions is deter-
mined base on the complexity of the surgery and
the pathologic problem present.
Once the choice and location of incisions are
made, the trocars placed and instruments chosen,
the laparoscopic gynecologic surgeon then per-
forms the operation while viewing a TV screen.
What should one expect after laparoscopic sur-
gery?
Generally speaking, most laparoscopic surgeries
are outpatient procedures. You may feel soreness,
pressure, and pelvic cramping. You will be pro-
vided pain medicines to help control this. Occa-
sionally, someone may feel shoulder pain. This is
referred pain secondary to the CO2 gas used dur-
ing the surgery. This usually resolves in 48 hours.
The length of recovery is variable depending on the
person and the complexity of the surgery. In Minor
laparoscopic procedures the average recovery time
is 1 week. In major procedures it is 1-3 weeks.
What are the benefits of Laparoscopic surgery
over traditional large incision surgery?
 Better visualization of surgery
 Less risk with properly trained surgeons
 Shorter hospital stays
 Faster recovery
 Minimal scarring
 Less postoperative pain
 Return to work sooner (less economic impact)
...
dedicated to healthy lifestyles and safe, state-of-the-art, innovative surgery for women of all ages
What are the risks of surgery and anesthe-
sia?
Any operation has inherent risk (much like driv-
ing a car has inherent risk of a car accident).
The risks, fortunately are uncommon. The risks
of surgery are:
 Bleeding
 Infection
 Injuring organs around the operative area
requiring repair (for gynecologic surgery
these are vessels, bladder, ureter, bowel)
 Fistulas (vesico-vaginal, ureteral-vaginal,
recto-vaginal)
 Adhesion formation and bowel obstruction
 Recurrence of some problems
(incontinence, prolapse, fibroids, cysts, etc)
There are added risks to each individual surgery
and you should discuss these with your doctor.
What gynecologic problems can be taken
care of laparoscopically?
 Hysterectomy
 Ovarian Cysts
 Endometriosis
 Incontinence
 Pelvic Prolapse
 Fibroid
 Ectopic Pregnancy
 Adhesions
 Appendix
It is important that your laparoscopic sur-
geon be credentialed in laparoscopy and
perform this surgery regularly. Laparoscopy
requires special training and commitment in
order to be successful. There is, generally,
no gynecologic condition that cannot be ad-
dressed with the laparoscope.