As health care has advanced, so have the techniques for performing surgery. In traditional "open" surgeries, procedures were performed through large incisions. In minimally invasive procedures, physicians can perform surgery through small incisions that are usually 2 cm or less. In the specialty of gynecology, some minimally invasive surgeries use special surgical tools, such as a laparoscope (in laparoscopic surgery) or a hysteroscope (in hysteroscopic procedures). In addition, some patients are candidates for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries using a robotic device, called the daVinci® Surgical System.

Minimally invasive surgical procedures have several advantages to the patient versus traditional "open" surgeries. Some of these advantages include: shorter recovery time, less postoperative pain, less blood loss and fewer postoperative infections. In general, patients who undergo minimally invasive procedures are able to resume their normal activities in less time than those who have had traditional "open" surgeries.

Some minimally invasive procedures can be performed in the office and others require a hospital stay. To learn more about the different minimally invasive procedures available at Virginia Women's Center, use the references below. 

• In-office surgical procedures
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Hysteroscopic procedures
• Surgery using the daVinci® Surgical System 

If you are interested in learning more or are wondering whether you are a candidate for this type of surgical approach, please speak with your VWC provider. This approach is not appropriate for every patient and, just like any surgery, is associated with risks including damage to nearby organs, blood vessels, nerves, bladder, bleeding and infection. In addition, minimally invasive approaches of all kinds include the risk of conversion to an "open" procedure, or one that has to occur through a larger incision.

Across the country, medical institutions, companies and individuals will be participating in National Wear Red Day® on February 3, 2012. The staff and physicians at Virginia Women's Center are proud to join this effort by donning red and helping to spread awareness about heart disease in women. Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined. While it is important to spread awareness, it is also important to help educate our friends, families and loved ones. Cholesterol and blood pressure are just two of the important measures of heart health. Keep reading to learn more about what these numbers mean.

High blood cholesterol can signal a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. To have your cholesterol checked, your health care provider will obtain a blood sample. A "lipoprotein profile" is a test run on your blood sample that gives information about your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

LDL cholesterol stands for low-density lipoprotein and is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it is the main carrier of harmful cholesterol in your blood. The higher one's level of LDL cholesterol, the higher risk one has of heart disease and stroke.

HDL cholesterol stands for high-density lipoprotein and is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol seem to lower one's risk of heart attack and stroke. Some recommendations to help raise one's HDL cholesterol are to quit smoking, lose excess weight and become more active.  

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from food and are produced by your body; they serve as a major energy source. Many people who have heart disease or diabetes have high fasting triglyceride levels.

Blood pressure is recorded as a ratio of two numbers. Systolic is the name for the top number and it measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. Diastolic is the name for the bottom number and it measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Managing your blood pressure can result in a lower risk of heart attack and blood vessel diseases, stroke and kidney disease.  

For more information about other numbers to track for heart health as well as tips for living a heart-healthy lifestyle, visit the Web site of the American Heart Association.

Boot Camp for New Dads is a program, by men and for men, in which veterans (new fathers who bring their 2-12 month old babies) orient rookies (fathers-to-be) on the realities of fatherhood. During the three hour session that takes place on a Saturday morning, discussions will focus on caring for babies and new moms, balancing work life with fatherhood, financing a family, following conflicting advice and dealing with your mother-in-law.

On February 11, 2012, the St. Mary's Hospital location of Virginia Women's Center will be hosting Boot Camp for New Dads. For more information or to see the class schedule, visit the First Things First of Greater Richmond Web site.

The workshops emphasize the unique strengths and creativity that men have in caring for their children. When dads get involved in caring for their children in addition to moms, their children benefit greatly.

Midwives For Haiti welcomed sixteen men and women into the training program for their fifth class in mid-January. The primary instructor for this new class is Marthonie Raphael, Haitian ISF, who is beginning her third year as an instructor. Marthonie's didactic instruction is supplemented by clinical instructor Genette Thelusmond, an all-star graduate from the third class. 

As the fifth class begins, Midwives For Haiti has announced a new opportunity for you or your community to show your support for their life-saving training program.
 
Starting this month, your family, church, medical practice or community can fund the work of Midwives For Haiti by sponsoring a student in the training program. A $3,600 sponsorship for the training of one student can be paid one-time, monthly or as a cumulative sum of community donations. Sponsors will be connected with the student they are supporting and will have the opportunity to communicate regularly by letter.   

Visit the Web site of Midwives For Haiti to learn more about sponsoring a student or to read the stories of some of the students in the fifth class.