WashU Ob/Gyn > Patient Information > Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

We treat patients diagnosed with non-cancerous gynecologic conditions. Our specialized surgical techniques cause less pain, faster recovery, and minimal disruption to your life.

Our Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery specialists provide high quality care to our patients. (From left, Katherine de Souza, MD; Scott Biest, MD; Elise Bardawil, MD; Whitney Ross, MD.)

Our goal is to reduce the rates of large surgical incisions for patients requiring gynecologic treatment. In fact, most patients who need gynecologic surgery are candidates for a minimally invasive approach – even patients with large fibroids or multiple prior surgeries.

Minimally invasive surgeries lead to less pain and blood loss, a shorter hospital stay (typically same-day or next-day discharge), faster recovery, lower rates of infection and other complications, and smaller, more cosmetic incisions.

Gynecologic surgery care team
Elise C Bardawil, MD

Elise C Bardawil, MD

Assistant Professor, Ob/Gyn

Division: Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Admin; Jasmine Jones

Scott Biest, MD

Scott Biest, MD

Chief, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Professor, Ob/Gyn

Division: Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Admin; Jasmine Jones

Katherine de Souza, MD

Katherine de Souza, MD

Assistant Professor, Ob/Gyn
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Admin; Jasmine Jones

Whitney Trotter Ross, MD

Whitney Trotter Ross, MD

Assistant Professor, Ob/Gyn

Division: Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Admin; Jasmine Jones

Where we see patients
Map of location

Center for Women’s Wellness & Fetal Health at Missouri Baptist Hospital

Missouri Baptist Medical Center

Map of location

Women’s Health Center – Central West End

Center for Outpatient Health

Our approach

Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. We believe in educating our patients about their diagnosis, and we take great care to discuss your full range of treatment options. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to choose a treatment course that’s right for you. In fact, our surgeons are among the top 10% of Washington University physicians for patient satisfaction.

Who we treat

If you have been told you are not a candidate for a minimally invasive surgery, and your doctor is planning on making a large incision, we have second opinion appointments available.

The conditions we treat include:

  • Irregular, heavy or postmenopausal bleeding
  • Fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Pelvic pain, including painful periods
  • Endometrial polyps
  • Abnormal pap smears

Related articleExploring minimally invasive options for fibroids


Though almost 70% of all hysterectomies nationally are performed with large abdominal incisions, technologic advances developed and perfected over the last few years allow most benign (non-cancerous) gynecologic surgery to be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. Patient options include both laparoscopic as well as vaginal approaches.

Your visit

During a typical first appointment, we’ll talk about the specifics of your condition, using pictures to explain your diagnosis and options. These options often include watchful waiting, treatment with medication, physical therapy, minor procedures, and minimally invasive surgery.

If you choose surgery, we’ll address details about what to expect before, during and after surgery. For most women, choosing to have surgery is a quality of life decision, and we want you to feel comfortable with your choice.

Make an appointment

Washington University minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons:
314-747-5470

When you call, please have your insurance card ready. Your insurance company may require a referral for your visit. If you have any questions please give us a call.
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Contact us

Appointments:
314-747-5470

Fax: 314-884-6009

Referring a patient

Request Proctoring Service

Need to utilize or inquire about clinical research services or facilities?

We are happy to help! Please email obgynresearch@email.wustl.edu or complete one of the intake forms below. Please note, investigators outside of the WashU OBGYN department should utilize the external inquiry form.