What Laparoscopic Surgery Actually Means
Laparoscopic surgery uses a slender camera — the laparoscope — and precision instruments inserted through small incisions to perform gynecologic procedures that once required a large abdominal opening. Dr. Andrei works with real-time high-definition visualization on a monitor, operating with instruments specifically designed for the confined anatomy of the pelvis.
Laparoscopic gynecologic surgery has decades of safety and outcomes data behind it. It is the established standard of care for a wide range of gynecologic procedures — not an experimental technique. For most women who need gynecologic surgery, a laparoscopic approach is available, appropriate, and preferable to open surgery because of its significantly shorter recovery, lower complication rates, and reduced blood loss.
Dr. Andrei performs the full range of gynecologic laparoscopic procedures at McLaren Lapeer Hospital, McLaren Flint Hospital, Henry Ford Rochester Hospital, and Lapeer County Surgery Center — with facility selection based on each patient’s procedure, anatomy, and whether an outpatient or inpatient setting is appropriate.
What Dr. Andrei Performs Laparoscopically
The procedures below are all performed laparoscopically. Specific procedure pages provide detailed information on each including candidacy, what to expect, and recovery.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Removal of the uterus through small incisions — the primary minimally invasive hysterectomy approach with a decades-long safety record. Performed at McLaren or Henry Ford hospitals.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Fibroid removal with uterine preservation — removing individual fibroids and repairing the uterine wall without a large abdominal incision. Hospital for complex cases; LCSC for selected straightforward cases.
Endometriosis Excision Surgery
Systematic identification and excision of all visible endometriosis implants from the root. Hospital for complex cases; LCSC for limited-stage outpatient cases.
Ovarian Cystectomy
Removal of an ovarian cyst while preserving as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible. Frequently performed as an outpatient procedure at Lapeer County Surgery Center.
Laparoscopic Oophorectomy
Removal of one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes through small incisions. Straightforward cases performed outpatient at LCSC; complex cases at hospital.
Adhesiolysis and Prolapse Repair
Laparoscopic lysis of pelvic adhesions and surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse. Facility selection based on procedure complexity and expected recovery.
The Same Procedure. A Dramatically Different Recovery.
The difference between laparoscopic and open gynecologic surgery is not in what is accomplished — it is in what the body has to heal from afterward. Open surgery requires a 5–8 inch abdominal incision, cutting through muscle layers, days in the hospital, and a recovery measured in months. Laparoscopic surgery uses three to four incisions under a centimeter.
Dr. Andrei inserts a slim camera and precision instruments through small incisions and works from high-definition monitor visualization.
- 3–4 incisions under 1 centimeter
- High-definition monitor visualization throughout
- Significantly less blood loss than open surgery
- Dramatically lower wound complication rates
- Same-day or next-morning discharge for most patients
Laparoscopic procedures are performed at four affiliated Michigan facilities. Outpatient cases go to LCSC; inpatient and complex cases go to the hospital affiliations.
- McLaren Lapeer Hospital — Lapeer, MI (inpatient & outpatient)
- McLaren Flint Hospital — Flint, MI (inpatient & outpatient)
- Henry Ford Rochester Hospital — Rochester Hills, MI (inpatient & outpatient)
- Lapeer County Surgery Center — 1546 Callis Rd, Lapeer, MI (outpatient same-day)
“When a patient learns she needs surgery, the most common first question is: how bad will recovery be? For almost every gynecologic procedure we perform laparoscopically, the honest answer is much less disruptive than you are imagining.”
From Consultation to Full Recovery
Every laparoscopic procedure at Lapeer Women’s Health follows the same structured pathway from evaluation through recovery.
Consultation and Imaging
Dr. Andrei reviews your diagnosis, imaging, and history. She confirms that laparoscopic surgery is appropriate for your case, explains the specific procedure, and describes the recovery timeline and which facility will be used.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Lab work, medical clearance, and pre-operative instructions are coordinated before your surgery date. You receive specific guidance on medications, dietary restrictions, and what to bring.
Surgery and Discharge
You arrive at the facility the morning of surgery. After general anesthesia, Dr. Andrei performs the laparoscopic procedure. Most patients go home the same day or the following morning.
Two-Week Follow-Up
Dr. Andrei sees you at approximately two weeks post-operatively to confirm healing and discuss your return to full activity.
Recovery After Laparoscopic GYN Surgery
Because laparoscopic surgery does not require a large incision or muscle cutting, recovery is dramatically shorter than open surgery.
Most patients go home the same day or the following morning. Light walking is encouraged from the first day. Oral medication manages discomfort for most patients.
Desk work, short walks, and light household tasks are typically manageable. Driving resumes once narcotic medication is discontinued.
Most women return to full activity within two to four weeks. More extensive cases may take up to six weeks. Dr. Andrei confirms clearance at follow-up.
Common Questions
Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Maximum Precision.
If you have been told you need gynecologic surgery, a laparoscopic approach is likely available for your procedure. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrei to review your specific case and surgical options.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options vary significantly. Reading this content does not establish a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ramona D. Andrei or Lapeer Women’s Health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. Content reviewed by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG.
Gynecologic care for women of every age
Lapeer Women’s Health — Rochester Hills
2710 S Rochester Rd, Suite 2
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Serving patients in Lapeer, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Michigan.
Gynecologic care for women of every age
Lapeer Women’s Health — Rochester Hills
2710 S Rochester Rd, Suite 2
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Serving patients in Lapeer, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Michigan.