Dr. Pemberton performs her surgeries at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Hackensack Mountainside Medical Center. These hospitals have superb nurses, provide excellent care and have state of the art surgical and inpatient facilities. Dr. Pemberton is well-trained, experienced and skilled at many procedures including minimally invasive surgeries.
Minimally invasive surgeries have changed the way of operative gynecology. These procedures enable surgical patients to recuperate faster, with less pain, less risk of infection and better cosmetic results with smaller incisions on the abdomen. Some procedures can even be done without incisions. Dr. Pemberton will help you decide what the best and appropriate choice for you will be
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERIES that Dr. Pemberton performs are:
Hysteroscopy (diagnostic and operative)
- Myomectomy for removing intracavitary fibroids with Myosure
- Endometrial ablation for treatment of abnormal bleeding with NovaSure
- Incisionless Hysteroscopic Permanent Sterilization with Essure
Laparoscopy (diagnostic and operative)
- Robotic Hysterectomy and Myomectomy
- Laparoscopic surgery for removal of ovarian cysts
- Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis
- Tubal ligation via laparoscopy
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows Dr. Pemberton to look inside the uterus with a special scope. These scopes are very thin and cause minimal discomfort to the patient. This procedure can be done in the hospital or office, and patients can quickly resume normal activity within one day.
A hysteroscopy can help find fibroids, polyps, and/or scar tissue that have developed in the uterus and may be causing severe menstrual cramping, heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after sex.
Once Dr. Pemberton identifies the problem, she may be able to remove the problem immediately. More complex situations may require scheduling additional time in the operating room. After the procedure, Dr. Pemberton will discuss the findings with you and recommend an appropriate treatment.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (Robotic)
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. The procedure is a way to treat problems that affect the uterus such as fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic support problems, pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding. There are other less invasive options that can be tried before hysterectomy that you should discuss with your doctor before deciding to proceed with a hysterectomy. For conditions that are severe and/or have not responded to other treatment options, a hysterectomy may be your best choice.
This method uses a thin, lighted, instrument with a camera called a laparoscope that allows Dr. Pemberton to see the pelvic organs on a screen. It is used, along with additional, small surgical instruments that are inserted through 3 to 4 tiny incisions in the navel and abdomen, to detach and remove the uterus. The uterus is then removed in small pieces through the navel and/or abdominal incisions, or through the vagina. A laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) is when the uterus is detached but the cervix remains and the pieces are removed through incisions. A total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is when both the uterus and the cervix are detached and the pieces are removed through incisions. A laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) is when the uterus and cervix are detached and then removed intact or in pieces through the vagina. Unlike more traditional abdominal or vaginal methods, laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures usually require only 1 day or less in the hospital and only 6-14 days of recovery time. Patients also experience less scarring and pain compared to other hysterectomy methods.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
This method is a procedure in which the uterus is surgically removed through an abdominal incision. If the uterus and the cervix are removed, it is called a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). If the uterus only is removed and the cervix remains, it is called a supracervical hysterectomy (SCH). One or both of the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes can be removed (salpingo-oophorectomy) during this procedure if medically indicated. There is a visible scar as the incision is made on the abdomen. This procedure can have a higher risk of blood loss, infection and a longer recovery. Typical hospital stay is 2-3 days. Average recovery time is 6-8 weeks.
Myomectomy (Laparoscopic/Robotic/Hysteroscopic)
Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus. It allows the uterus to be left in place and, for some women, makes pregnancy more likely than before. Myomectomy is the preferred fibroid treatment for women who want to become pregnant.
Laparoscopic Treatment for Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue from the inside of the uterus (endometrium) is implanted outside its normal anatomic position. These implants can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, rectum and/or ligaments that support the uterus. Patients complain of pelvic pain, painful periods, painful bowel movements and/or infertility. The diagnosis is made with the assistance of a laparoscope where the surgeon can visualize the entire pelvis and take appropriate biopsies. Endometrial lesions can be cut away (excised) or burned away. Treatment with laparoscopy is more difficult with advanced disease that involves dense, scar tissue or larger areas involving the pelvic and abdominal organs.
Essure Sterilization
Essure is a permanent sterilization procedure that does not require abdominal surgery. There are no incisions and it can even be performed in the office. Dr. Pemberton places tiny inserts through the vagina into the fallopian tubes using a special instrument called a hysteroscope. This instrument is a thin tube with a camera that allows her to see inside the uterus allowing for correct placement of the micro inserts. Over the next 3 months, your body heals over the inserts and forms a barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. As you heal, another form of birth control is needed. After 3 months, a confirmation X-ray test is performed to confirm that your tubes are indeed blocked.
You will need to consult with Dr. Pemberton to determine if this procedure is a good choice for you.
NovaSure Ablation
NovaSure endometrial ablation is a one-time five-minute procedure designed to remove just the uterine lining—the endometrium—which is the part of your body that causes heavy bleeding. No incisions are required, leaving your uterus intact. For 9 out of 10 women, their heavy periods are dramatically reduced or stopped altogether.
