Langley Memorial Hospital rates among the highest in Canada when it comes to performing non-invasive gynecological procedures, a recent study has found.
“The heart of the study is how much can we do surgery through a minimally invasive approach,” says LMH gynecologist and obstetrician Dr. Erica Phelps, adding that although the study focused on hysterectomies, the team also performs other surgeries using this approach such as uterine fibroid or cyst removal.
“Using a laparoscopic approach has been our biggest focus, when it’s possible,” Phelps says.
“Traditionally, a hysterectomy meant a big incision and open procedure, but advances in surgery in general have allowed us to perform so many more laparoscopically.”
The study, which observed trends in hysterectomy at Langley Memorial over a five year period, showed that the proportion of hysterectomies performed by minimally invasive surgery (referred to as the ‘technicity index’) increased from 67 per cent to 92 per cent from 2012 to 2016.
Specifically, the proportion of hysterectomies completed by a complete laparoscopic approach increased from 37 to 78 per cent, and hysterectomies performed by the abdominal or laparoscopic-assisted vaginal approach decreased from 32 to eight per cent and from 17 to one per cent, respectively.
The biggest benefits of using a laparoscopic approach include quicker patient recovery, shorter patient stays in the hospital, and patients being able to return to work and daily activities faster than an open operation, Phelps notes.
The close-knit surgical team and support staff currently perform about 150-200 laparoscopic surgeries each year, she says.
“We have a small staff at LMH so we all get to know each other - I think one of the things the study highlights is our team approach and our focus on peer-to-peer mentor-ship,” Phelps says, adding that Langley Memorial has always been a popular choice for senior resident doctors to come and practice.
Indeed, the study notes that “the success in increasing technicity index underlines the cooperative strength of all members of the surgical team, the transference of surgical skills among interested surgeons, and the importance of a consistent, well-trained surgical support team.”
While some surgeries must still be performed in the traditional, open approach if the patient isn’t suited for a laparoscopic approach, Langley’s surgical team attempts to provide the least invasive surgery they’re able for each patient, whether they’re 18 or 80, Phelps says.
Moving forward, Phelps notes Langley is working on a daycare procedure program, where patients can go home the same day the procedure is performed.
“The reasons are twofold: to make the experience better for our patients - who doesn’t want to be in their own bed, especially after a surgery? - and to open up beds in the hospital for other patients who might need them.”
