Aurora BayCare is first Wisconsin hospital to earn center of excellence for minimally invasive gynecological surgery

Aurora BayCare Medical Center is again leading the way and advancing women's health care. Aurora BayCare is the first hospital in Wisconsin to earn a center of excellence designation for minimally invasive gynecological surgery.

Hospitals or surgery centers recognized by the American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery (AIMIS) have made minimally invasive surgery a priority. Centers are designated a center of excellence based on high quality and volumes.

"Women need to know that there are options for many gynecological procedures," said John Gallagher, M.D., vice president of medical operations of Aurora Health Care. "At Aurora BayCare Medical Center and Aurora clinics, we offer more than 20 gynecological procedures that leave small to incision-less scars."

For instance, more than 70 percent of hysterectomies performed at Aurora BayCare are done either laparoscopic, vaginally or through a robotic procedure, compared to the commonly known open abdominal hysterectomy. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the national average is 32 percent.

Women who have minimally invasive surgeries will spend less time in the hospital, will need less prescription pain medicine and will have less scarring.

In order to earn the center of excellence designation, hospitals must have:

  • At least a 40% minimally invasive surgery adoption rate
  • Less than 8% complication rate
  • Less than 5% readmission rate

Aurora BayCare has paved the way for women's health care in Green Bay for years. "In northeast Wisconsin, Aurora BayCare has the only national accredited breast center, full-service fertility clinic, board-certified perinatiologist to manage high risk pregnancies and on-site neonatologists to take care of the tiniest and sickest babies around the clock," said Aurora BayCare Chief Administrative Officer Dan Meyer. "With each of these services available in one location, Aurora BayCare continues to raise the bar in women's care in this area."

"We are pleased to recognize Aurora BayCare for their comprehensive approach to women and child health care," said Dr. K. Volker, CEO and chairman of AIMIS. "Minimally invasive surgery offers so many benefits to the entire health care system, but most importantly, to the patient. Less discomfort, reduced scarring and dramatically faster recovery times are all key benefits of these techniques," he added.