Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive) FAQ

What is Laparoscopic, or, Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a newer technique that allows for tiny navel and abdominal incisions through which smaller instruments can be introduced. It is less invasive than traditional “open” surgery, therefore, reducing trauma and pain, and shortening the recuperative period.

Does Dr. Quartell regularly perform these procedures?
Dr. Quartell trained extensively in the special skills needed for these procedures, and was among the first physicians to perform laparoscopic hysterectomy. He spends one or two days per week in the operating room, and has performed thousands of laparoscopic procedures, which include laparoscopic hysterectomys, laparoscopic myomectomys. He is one of the few OB GYN Surgeons performing robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies and myomectomies.

Is everyone a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is an option for most, but not all, patients. Dr. Quartell will determine which surgical approaches are right for you, based on your individual circumstances. You can then make an informed choice.

Will I be asleep during the procedure?
Yes, you will be given general anesthesia.

If I have a laparoscopic procedure, how long will I stay in the hospital?
Laparoscopic hysterectomy usually requires an overnight stay - you will go home the following morning. Other laparoscopic procedures may allow you to go home the same day as your surgery.

How long will it take me to recuperate?
Every patient is different, but laparoscopic surgery allows for faster healing. Many patients return to work within six days (not six weeks!) after their procedure, and resume normal activity much sooner than allowed by traditional surgery.

Pregnancy FAQ

Who will take care of me?
Dr. Quartell and Nurse Practitioner Marisa Hamrah will see you throughout your pregnancy. Should Dr. Quartell be unavailable when you deliver, know that he works with several trusted and experienced physicians who provide 24-hour coverage in his absence. They are Drs. Robert Koch and Thomas DeAngelis, whose offices are located with ours, and Drs. Marshall Pollack, Christopher Seymour and John Simonetti, of Millburn. Feel free to schedule an appointment to meet a covering physician.

How often will I be seen?
You will be seen once a month through 28 weeks, once every two weeks through 36 weeks, and weekly until delivery. There may be a need for additional visits under special circumstances.
Each visit will include:

• Urine specimen
• Blood pressure and weight assessment
• Fetal heart tone by Doppler machine

What about lab work?
For your convenience, all bloodwork can be drawn in our office at an onsite lab.

• Prenatal labs will be drawn at your first visit. They include: blood type, complete blood count, HIV testing, genetic testing, and hepatitis and rubella status. A urine culture will also be done.
• An AFP4 test will be drawn at your 16 week visit.
• Gestational diabetes screening will be performed between weeks 26-28.
• Group B Strep testing is performed at 36 weeks. This is a vaginal culture.

Additional testing may be performed at the recommendation of your physician.

Where and when will I have ultrasounds?
An ultrasound will be performed here, at your first prenatal visit, if allowed by your insurance company. A “Level II” ultrasound (a detailed study of fetal anatomy) will be performed at Saint Barnabas Medical Center at 18 weeks. If recommended, an amniocentesis will also be performed at 18 weeks.

What symptoms should prompt me to call the office right away?
Feel free to call with any questions or unusual symptoms, but always call if you experience:

• Vaginal Bleeding
• Pain that is unusual or does not subside
• Chills & Fever
• Vomiting, if you are unable to hold down fluids
• Burning when urinating or trouble voiding
• Leaking fluid that is not urine
• Decreased fetal movement
• Excessive swelling
• Rash
  

What over-the-counter medication is safe?
You may take acetaminophen (like brand-name Tylenol) for aches and pains. We will advise you regarding other medications for colds, coughs and other common ailments. We strongly advocate the use of chicken soup as a cold remedy.

Can I travel by air?
In uncomplicated pregnancies, domestic air travel is generally safe up to 36 weeks - check with us. You should drink plenty of fluids, and walk frequently due to the risk of blood clots. Security detectors are safe for pregnant women.

Is it safe to color my hair?
Single-process hair coloring is not safe during pregnancy.
You may have your hair highlighted after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

How will I know if I am in labor?
Call if:

• You experience either a gush or slow leaking of clear (amniotic) fluid.
• Your contractions are getting stronger and occurring no more than 5 minutes apart.
• You are experiencing decreased fetal movement.
• You are supposed to have a cesarean section.
• You experience any other unusual symptoms.

You may experience contractions that are not strong and do not follow a time pattern. They may not signal the onset of labor. You may have thick, blood tinged mucous prior to, or during labor. This mucous plug is normal, and may not signal the onset of labor.