UF Health Maintains Center of Excellence Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
In February 2023, the UF Health Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery program earned its Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology accreditation for the fourth time.
The Surgical Review Corporation is a nonprofit patient-safety accreditation organization designed to improve the way patients receive health care services. Its high standards and evaluation process aim to eliminate the guesswork for health care consumers. UF Health is one of three accredited facilities in Florida that has demonstrated the ability to meet stringent program criteria, provide significant proficiency in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and offer exceptional patient care and outcomes.
What is minimally invasive gynecologic surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is used to operate with as little damage to the body as possible, using small incisions and specialized tools. The technique has revolutionized gynecological surgery, making it possible to treat a wide range of conditions, including endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids and uterine prolapse, to name a few.
In the past, gynecological surgery often required large incisions and lengthy recovery times. With the advent of minimally invasive techniques, these procedures can now be performed with smaller incisions, faster recovery and less pain.
It is important to seek specialized care and a gynecologist trained in minimally invasive surgical techniques with a track record of successful outcomes.
Why is the accreditation important?
The accreditation means that UF Health has demonstrated an institutional commitment to provide excellent medical care to its patients who require minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. The nonprofit organization evaluated UF Health in the following categories:
- Clinical care pathways
- Comprehensive patient education
- Education and training of surgical staff
- Evidence of qualifications of the program director and surgeons
- Medical record review to evaluate data regarding readmissions, complications and outcomes
- On-site visit to tour facilities and interview staff
The UF Health Difference
Nash Moawad, MD, chief of the division of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at the UF College of Medicine, led the effort to obtain accreditation. He said UF Health doctors collaborate across subspecialties to provide comprehensive care before, during and after surgery.
“Our staff is educated on endometriosis, pelvic pain, surgery complications and how to spot complications over the phone,” Moawad said. “The nurses in the pre-op area and the operating room, the scrub techs and the post-op area are trained under the same umbrella that involves the care of minimally invasive surgical patients.”
Learn more about minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at UF Health.
Read more about the accreditation process.
