Whether you choose to have an open procedure such as TAH or a Minimally Invasive Procedure (MIP) for hysterectomy, it’s important that you have a gynecologic surgeon who is experienced and qualified to perform the procedure. Use the tips below to ensure that your surgeon has the proper credentials.³ If you’re interested in an MIP for hysterectomy, ask your doctor to recommend a surgeon who is trained in MIP.

• Find out if the surgeon is certified by a national surgical board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
• Some surgeons also have the letters F.A.C.O.G. after their names. This means that the surgeon has earned a diploma and is considered a Fellow of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. You can be confident that a surgeon with F.A.C.O.G. following his or her name has graduated from an acceptable medical school, completed an ob-gyn residency program, and has an active license to practice medicine.
• Find out if any actions have been taken against your surgeon by visiting your state medical board’s Web site.
• Typically, gynecologic surgeons perform hysterectomies.  Some general surgeons have the skills and training to perform MIP for hysterectomy.  However, most general surgeons do not perform these procedures routinely.

To locate a surgeon in your area experienced with MIP for hysterectomy, click here.