Frank Tu, MD, MPH, Sangeeta Senapati, MD, MS and Howard Topel, MD.

Women with pelvic health concerns now have access to a team of physicians who can provide the latest cutting edge approaches with a multi-disciplinary view of women's health. This program - the Division of Gynecological Pain and Minimally Invasive Surgery at NorthShore University HealthSystem - is unique because it is the only program in the area with dual pain and advanced pelvic surgery fellowship-trained specialists. The goal of the program is to provide multidisciplinary treatment options for women's gynecological conditions, as well as the best available surgical choices when minimally invasive surgery is desirable.  

Endoscopic procedures can greatly shorten a women’s hospital stay, lower her risk of complications and hasten recovery for conditions such as uterine fibroids, abnormal bleeding,  ovarian cysts, endometriosis, painful intercourse, and pelvic pain. The NorthShore University HealthSystem team is one the most experienced groups in the area using the da Vinci surgical robot, which further enhances the ability to perform complex laparoscopic procedures such as hysterectomy and myomectomy.  Endoscopic procedures such as these are done through small incisions - the thickness of a pencil - allowing for significant decreases in recovery time and improved patient well-being.  For evaluation of the interior of the uterus, which can be helpful for treating menstrual problems, infertility, and pelvic pain, the division also offers office-based hysteroscopic procedures, which allows many women to avoid hospitalization for diagnostic procedures and some treatments as well.

Frank Tu, MD, MPH, is the director of the Division of Gynecological Pain and Minimally Invasive Surgery in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He received his medical degree from the University of Alabama, and completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Northwestern University and a fellowship program at the University of North Carolina in advanced laparoscopic surgery and pelvic pain management. Dr. Tu is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. His clinical research includes collaborative studies with the NorthShore University HealthSystem Division of Urogynecology, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Center for Pain Studies, with research interests that include clinical and pelvic musculoskeletal pain disorders, diagnostic test evaluation, outcomes assessment and physician surgical education.

Sangeeta Senapati, MD, MS, received her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College and completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Her fellowship at the University of Michigan Medical Center was in Minimally Invasive Surgery and Chronic Pelvic Pain with an emphasis on robotic surgical techniques. Her research interests include management of uterine fibroids, surgical outcomes for minimally invasive techniques, predictors and outcomes in the management of pelvic pain, and physician surgical education.

Howard Topel, MD received his medical degree from Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago and completed his residency at Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago. He is a board certified gynecologist practicing for over 30 years. Dr. Topel is a recognized expert in advanced laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. A pioneer in laparoscopic hysterectomy and laparoscopic fibroid removal, Dr. Topel has also invented surgical instruments specifically for laparoscopic surgery, and has lectured nationally and internationally on advanced laparoscopic surgery. He continues his years of commitment to providing patients with the highest level of care, and to training residents and physicians. Dr. Topel has authored textbook chapters and journal articles on laparoscopic hysterectomy, removal of uterine fibroids, dermoid cysts, treatment of large ovarian cysts during pregnancy and laparoscopic suturing techniques. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 847.926.6544.

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