When removing endometriosis, Dr. Podraza uses a CO2 laser to completely remove endometriosis lesions.  This method is preferred to simple ablation (burning) of the endometriosis lesion because it removes both the superficial and deep portions of the endometriosis.  Dr. Podraza also closes the peritoneal layer that was removed in order to prevent adhesions from forming in the area.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can be treated with medication but often can be cured by removing a portion of the cysts in a procedure called Ovarian Wedge Resection.  This procedure also reduces the size of the ovary and more easily allows the fallopian tubes to “catch” the egg as it is released during ovulation.  This procedure is excellent for both improving hormone balance and fertility.

Most if not all fibroids can be removed with a minimally invasive approach if the DaVinci robotic surgery system is used to assist a skilled surgeon.  Dr. Podraza specializes in using this technique to remove almost any size fibroid without having to remove the uterus.  If the patient would like a hysterectomy instead, that too can be done without having to open the abdomen – which significantly reduces the recovery time.

Using a DaVinci robot to assist with hysterectomies allows for shortened surgery times and even shorter recovery time.  Almost all of our patients go home the day of surgery and are back at work in two weeks or less.  Most hysterectomies are simple, but even the most complex can be handled laparoscopically with the DaVinci Robot.

Dr. Podraza uses the MyoSure system to remove fibroids that are inside the uterine cavity.  This minimally invasive technique is fast and leaves little to no scar tissue or damage to the uterus.  It is good for both heavy bleeding and infertility caused by submucosal fibroids.

Dr. Podraza uses hysteroscopy to routinely diagnose and treat conditions such as endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, submucosal fibroids, and more.  

Women who have abnormal pap smears and precancerous lesions of the cervix need treatment.  Removing a small part of the cervix to get rid of the lesion is often the best and most effective treatment.  Dr. Podraza always tries to take as little tissue as possible to cure the patient while at the same time preserving fertility and reducing the risk of future preterm births.

Whenever a patient is getting a diagnostic surgery for infertility, Dr. Podraza performs a selective hysterosalpingogram to determine if the fallopian tubes are open, and if they are blocked, he will open them using a flexible wire in most cases.  This technique is much more effective than a traditional hysterosalpingogram where only pressure can be used to open the tubes and often does not really determine if tubes are blocked or if one is just more open than the other.

Ablation of the endometrium (sometimes called uterine ablation) is a surgical procedure that stops or significantly reduces bleeding with menstrual periods.  It is usually very effective, but can only be used for women who have a normal shaped and sized uterus.  The procedure can last for up to 10 years but often begins to fail around the five-year mark.  For this reason, it is best done on women in their mid to late forties who are finished with childbearing and experiencing heavy menstrual periods.

A uterine septum can cause many problems including heavy, painful periods, infertility, and miscarriage.  They are often diagnosed on ultrasound and can be treated with hysteroscopic resection.  This procedure is done with laparoscopic guidance to make sure there is no perforation of the uterus and that the shape of the uterus is restored to normal.

Dr. Podraza is very skilled in robotic assisted tubal ligation reversal.  This procedure is about 95% effective in returning normal function to the fallopian tubes after a previous tubal ligation.

Removal of Essure devices can be done for pain relief or for the restoration of fertility if the patient desires (with tubal reimplantation).  This surgery is safe and effective if done by an experienced surgeon such as Dr. Podraza.