Dr. Maitrayee Chennu: Hello! I am Dr. Maitrayee Chennu, a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist based in Hyderabad, Telangana, specializing in minimally invasive surgery. I completed my medical education with a degree in MBBS from SVS Medical College, followed by a Master's in Obstetrics and Gynecology (DNB) from Narayana Health, Bangalore. I also pursued additional training in laparoscopic surgery and Robotic surgery, which allows me to offer minimally invasive treatment options to my patients.

I have managed a diverse range of cases from routine obstetric care to complex gynecological surgeries. I am deeply committed to providing personalized, evidence-based care to my patient’s field along with a safe space for them to be able to get the best treatment.

Dr. Maitrayee Chennu: My interest in Obstetrics and Gynecology developed early in my medical career because of the unique opportunity it provides to work with women at various life stages, like supporting them through pregnancy, treating gynecological conditions, or helping them navigate menopause. The ability to make a direct, positive impact on women’s health was an incredibly motivating factor.

Laparoscopic and robotic surgery, in particular, intrigued me because of their minimally invasive nature. I wanted to offer my patients the benefits of smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and reduced pain, which enhances the overall treatment experience. This combination of patient care and advanced surgical techniques has been a fulfilling path for me.

Dr. Maitrayee Chennu: Patient selection for laparoscopic surgery depends on several factors, including the type of condition being treated, the patient’s overall health, age, and preferences. I evaluate the size and location of the pathology, as well as any contraindications to laparoscopic surgery, such as severe obesity or previous surgeries that might complicate the procedure.

Laparoscopic surgery offers clear advantages in terms of recovery time and safety, it’s usually my preferred approach. However, I also discuss alternative options with my patients to ensure they’re comfortable with the treatment plan.

Dr. Maitrayee Chennu: I have experience performing a range of laparoscopic procedures, including hysterectomies, tubal ligations, cystectomies and myomectomies (fibroid removal). Laparoscopic surgery offers many advantages over traditional open surgery, such as quicker recovery, smaller scars, and reduced risk of complications like infections. I find that these procedures not only improve patient outcomes but also greatly enhance patient satisfaction due to the quicker recovery times and lower post-operative pain.

Dr. Maitrayee Chennu: One memorable case involved a 13-year-old girl with a large ovarian dermoid cyst torsion causing significant symptoms. After a thorough evaluation, I performed a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, successfully removing the cyst while preserving the ovary with minimal blood loss and a short recovery time. The patient was able to return to her normal activities within the week, and it was incredibly rewarding to see her relieved of her symptoms.

On the challenging side, I’ve handled complex cases of high-risk pregnancies, including women with pre-existing conditions like heart disease, oligohydramnios, IUGR, and preterm labor. These cases require meticulous planning and coordination with a team of specialists to ensure the safety of both mother and child. I’ve been fortunate to achieve positive outcomes through careful monitoring and timely interventions.

Dr. Maitrayee: Laparoscopic surgery is an excellent option for treating a range of gynecological conditions. Some of the most common include:

• Uterine fibroids: Laparoscopic myomectomy allows for the removal of fibroids with minimal disruption to the uterus.

• Ovarian cysts: Removal of cysts can be done without the need for a large incision.

• Endometriosis: Removal of extensive endometriosis and scar tissue.

• Tubal ligation: For patients seeking permanent contraception, laparoscopic tubal ligation is a safe, effective method.

• Ectopic pregnancies: Laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove the ectopic pregnancy and preserve the patient's fertility.

• Infertility: Diagnostic laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, tubal patency, ovarian drilling, etc., are done as fertility-enhancing procedures.

Dr. Maitrayee Chennu: A common misconception is that some people from rural areas believe minimally invasive procedures to be inferior to open surgery, as they have been misled that the failure rate is high. Whereas some think laparoscopic surgery is “easy” or doesn’t require significant expertise, simply because the incisions are small. However, laparoscopic surgery requires a high level of precision, and it’s crucial to have the proper training and experience to minimize risks such as injury to surrounding organs.

Another misconception is that laparoscopic surgery guarantees a completely pain-free recovery. While the procedure itself is less invasive, recovery times and pain levels can still vary from patient to patient, depending on the complexity of the surgery and individual healing processes.

Dr. Maitrayee Chennu: Recent studies have emphasized the benefits of laparoscopic surgery in terms of faster recovery, reduced complications, and improved long-term outcomes for patients. One particular area of focus is the use of single-incision laparoscopy, which aims to reduce scarring and further minimize recovery times. This technique is gaining popularity, and it’s something I look forward to incorporating more into my practice.

In the future, I anticipate greater integration of robotic surgery within laparoscopic gynecology. Robotic systems can offer enhanced precision and flexibility, and while they may not replace traditional laparoscopic techniques, they will likely complement them, especially for complex cases.

Dr. Maitrayee: I commonly use traditional laparoscopy techniques along with advanced methods like robotic surgery for complex procedures. I am an ipsilateral surgeon, and my approach involves careful pre-operative planning, including reviewing diagnostic modalities and discussing the procedure with the patient, to ensure that we are choosing the most appropriate surgical method. Over time, I’ve refined my techniques by consistently reviewing outcomes, attending workshops and conferences, and learning from peers. This helps me stay at the cutting edge of laparoscopic innovations while optimizing patient safety and recovery.