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Dr. Laura Marie Downing, MD is an obstetrician and gynecologist in Chelsea, MI specializing in obstetrics & gynecology. She graduated from University of Toledo College of Medicine in 2016 and has 8 years of experience. Dr. Laura Marie Downing, MD is affiliated with Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS), Integrated Healthcare Associates (IHA), IHA HEALTH SERVICES CORPORATION and Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital.
14288 E. Old Us 12 Suite 300
Chelsea, MI 48118
14650 E Old Us Highway 12 Suite 301
Chelsea, MI 48118
Gynecologic Surgery
Gynecologic surgery is surgery performed on a woman's pelvic region. It is usually performed by an OB/GYN and can involve the bladder, rectum, or reproductive organs. Surgery in this area may be performed for many reasons, but the most common procedures include:
More and more, gynecologic surgery is moving towards the use of minimally invasive surgery. Minimally invasive surgery uses several small incisions and tiny tools and scopes to perform the operation, rather than one large opening. While it is not appropriate in every case, minimally invasive surgery can lead to less scarring, less blood loss, faster recovery, and a lower chance for infection. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery may be performed with a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera on the end that allows the surgeon to see inside the body. It may also be performed robotically, using even smaller tools and cameras that a surgeon controls from a computer. Robotic surgery allows even better vision, precision, and control than laparoscopic surgery.
Over the course of a lifetime, many women need pelvic surgery to stay healthy. Qualified gynecologic surgeons will have the right tools at their disposal to provide care with a minimum of discomfort.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a kind of minimally invasive surgery using a thin, narrow tube called a laparoscope. Usually performed on the abdomen or the pelvic region, the surgeon makes a few very small incisions instead of one large one.
During the procedure, the surgeon inserts the laparoscope, which contains a light and camera that allows the surgeon to see what is happening inside the body. Then tiny tools are placed through the small openings and used to perform the surgery.
The most common laparoscopic surgery is gallbladder removal, but laparoscopic surgery may also be used for the removal of a kidney or appendix, to treat certain cysts and tumors, for bariatric surgery, for some GERD treatments, or for hernia repairs, among others.
Because laparoscopic surgery only uses a few tiny incisions, the scars are minimal and recovery is easier than with open surgery.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, using a tiny opening to get inside the body instead of making a large cut. It uses small tools attached to a thin robotic arm, which is controlled by the surgeon. Robotic surgery may be referred to by the specific kind of robot that is used. The most advanced robot currently in use is called the da Vinci, and surgery using it is sometimes called da Vinci surgery.
There are many benefits to robotic surgery, both for the patient and the surgeon. Robotic surgery allows for more precise movements and increased control during very delicate surgical procedures. This makes performing surgery accurately much easier for surgeons and reduces fatigue. The smaller 'hand' of the robot can enter the body via a much smaller opening, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring and leads to a faster recovery. The robotic hands also contain tiny moveable cameras among their tools, giving surgeons a much closer view of the procedure than would be possible with traditional surgery.
Dr. Laura Marie Downing, MD graduated from University of Toledo College of Medicine in 2016. She completed residency at St. Joseph Mercy Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency. She is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has a state license in Georgia.
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine (2016)
Residency: St. Joseph Mercy Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency (2020)
Board Certification: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Licensed In: Georgia
Dr. Laura Marie Downing, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Laura Downing specializes in general obstetrics & gynecology and practices in Chelsea, MI and Ann Arbor, MI. Clinical interests for Dr. Downing include annual gynecological exam (well woman exam), endometriosis, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Her hospital/clinic affiliations include Integrated Healthcare Associates (IHA) and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS). Dr. Downing's practice in Ann Arbor, MI is open to new patients as reported by Trinity Health. She graduated from the University of Toledo College of Medicine.