Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abnormal bleeding can result from structural, hormonal, or genetic factors. When first-line treatments are ineffective, our office has a wide array of diagnostic tools such as ultrasound and hysteroscopy that often can be performed the same day as your consultation. Once the cause is established, we have advanced surgical options to help improve patients’ quality of life.

Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterine muscle that can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and fertility challenges. We offer both medical and surgical treatments to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affecting the pelvis, bowel, bladder or more. This can lead to chronic pain and other complications. We provide both medical and surgical options to relieve symptoms and improve function.

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows within the uterine muscle, leading to heavy bleeding and painful periods. We offer a range of treatment options to manage symptoms and improve comfort.

Asherman’s Syndrome

Scar tissue inside the uterus (intrauterine adhesions) can block menstrual flow, cause pain, and affect fertility. We specialize in minimally invasive procedures to restore the uterine cavity and improve reproductive outcomes. Often these procedures can be performed in the office the day of your initial consultation.

Ovarian Masses and Cysts

Ovarian cysts are common and often resolve on their own. When they persist or cause symptoms, we offer surgical removal while preserving ovarian function.

Müllerian Anomalies

Some individuals are born with differences in gynecologic anatomy that may lead to pain, discomfort, or infertility. Surgery can offer relief and improve reproductive outcomes.

Retained Products of Conception

After childbirth or miscarriage, retained placental tissue can cause abnormal bleeding or infertility. We perform safe and effective removal to restore health and well-being, and offer procedures both in the office and operating room.

Cesarean Scar Defects (Isthmocele)

Following a cesarean section, some patients develop a defect in the uterine wall, leading to abnormal bleeding, infertility, or pregnancy complications. We offer tailored treatment options based on individual goals.

Infertility

Infertility has many possible causes. We work closely with leading fertility specialists nationwide to develop personalized treatment plans that optimize your reproductive health.

Postmenopausal Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding after menopause is not normal and should be evaluated. We offer a range of procedures both in-office and in the operating room to help diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatment and follow-up care.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can have multiple causes and associated symptoms. Our team collaborates with a range of specialists to understand each patient’s unique experience and develop a targeted treatment plan.

The caring experts at the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) at Newton-Wellesley Hospital provide relief for women with gynecologic problems through a range of advanced treatments, including minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

Comprehensive, Expert Care

• Complete evaluation of your condition, including ultrasound and other diagnostic testing, in a single location
• Advanced surgical equipment, including robotic surgery and office procedures
• Our providers’ expertise in the least-invasive approaches for treating common gynecologic conditions
• Collaboration with multiple specialists to ensure you receive the best care

We emphasize comprehensive, expert care for your specific condition. Our team provides each patient with respectful and sensitive treatments that relieve pain and discomfort while improving quality of life. After a thorough evaluation, you and your provider will discuss the treatment options available to you, as well as the benefits and risks involved. When considering treatment options, our program prioritizes each patient’s individual goals through thoughtful counseling and shared decision-making. We work together to develop your unique treatment plan.

You might be a candidate for treatment by our team if you have been diagnosed with one of the following conditions:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Asherman’s syndrome (Intrauterine adhesions)
• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic pain
• Bleeding after menopause
• Ovarian cysts

Our Commitment to Research

Members of our team test and develop new or improved treatments for gynecologic conditions. As part of these efforts, we lead and participate in a variety of clinical studies on an ongoing basis. We are also actively involved in research with the MIT Center for Gynepathology Research (CGR) which focuses on groundbreaking research to accelerate earlier diagnosis and more successful treatment of endometriosis and adenomyosis. Current studies are providing new insights in endometriosis and adenomyosis through tissue engineering and systems biology.

Our Commitment to Education

The mission of the NWH MIGS center includes educating and training future leaders in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and advancing the care of women through research. The NWH MIGS center is actively engaged in the education of students, residents, fellows and practicing gynecologists.  Our educational opportunities include:

• Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Since 2006 we have been training MIGS fellows in what is one of the longest running fellowship programs in the country. This is a two-year fellowship program sponsored by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. For more information see here.

• Ob/Gyn Residency Program

The combined OB/GYN residency program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital sponsors an ongoing five-week clinical rotation with our surgeons at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

• Other students

We provide numerous learning opportunities to students in the area, including medical students from Tufts University as well as Physician Assistants students from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.

Stephanie N. Morris, MD

Vice Chair, Gynecology
Director, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Program Director, Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Dr. Morris is a graduate of MIT, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Harvard’s combined Brigham and Women’s/Massachusetts General Hospital OB/GYN residency program. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She completed her fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.  Dr. Morris is active in the national organization American Association for Gynecologic Laparoscopists and has served on its Board of Directors.  She is Program Director of the Newton-Wellesley Hospital MIGS fellowship program. Dr. Morris has practiced minimally invasive gynecology since 2005 and has expertise in complex laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. She has a special interest in abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, treatments that optimize fertility, and office hysteroscopy.

Peter Movilla, MD

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Associate Medical Director of the Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Care Collaborative
Director of Research, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Dr. Movilla is a graduate of Weill Medical College of Cornell University and completed his OB/GYN residency at the University of California, San Francisco. He completed his MIGS fellowship at Newton Wellesley Hospital. He specializes in surgical management for patients with complex gynecologic conditions including adenomyosis, endometriosis, fibroids, intrauterine adhesions. Dr. Movilla leads the Multidisciplinary Endometriosis Conference, collaborating with MGH and NWH MIGS, Colorectal and Urologic surgeons, and experts from the Radiology department. Additionally, he serves as the Associate Clinical Director at the MIT Center for Gynepathology Research, advancing pioneering research on adenomyosis and endometriosis.

Hilary R. Haber, MD

Dr. Haber completed her undergraduate degree at University of California, Berkeley and spent five years doing global health work before she decided to pursue a career in medicine. She attended University of California, Davis School of Medicine where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism Honor Societies. She completed her OBGYN residency training at the combined Brigham and Women’s/Massachusetts General Hospital program and her fellowship in MIGS at Newton Wellesley Hospital. She has expertise in complex laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and robotic surgery. Special interests include endometriosis, fibroids and complex gynecology as well as a passion for education and surgical teaching.

The Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) provides advanced surgical options designed to minimize complications, reduce recovery time, and improve cosmetic outcomes.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat gynecologic conditions through small abdominal incisions. A thin camera provides high-definition visualization, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Common laparoscopic treatments include removal of fibroids, excision of endometriosis, removal of ovarian cysts, and removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).

Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery is an advanced form of laparoscopy that enhances precision and flexibility. The surgeon controls robotic instruments from a console, with support from specially trained robotic surgery Physician Assistants.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine and treat conditions inside the uterus. A thin camera is inserted through the cervix, avoiding abdominal incisions. This can be performed in the operating room or clinic, depending on the procedure and patient preference. Because hysteroscopy does not require external incisions, recovery is typically fast with minimal discomfort. Common conditions treated with hysteroscopy include removal of polyps and fibroids, uterine septum, intrauterine adhesions, and retained products of conception.

MIT Center for Gynepathology Research

The NWH MIGS Center has a long-standing, ongoing research partnership with the MIT Center for Gynepathology Research (CGR). The CGR, founded in 2009 and led by MIT Professor Linda Griffith, focuses on groundbreaking research to accelerate earlier diagnosis and more successful treatment of endometriosis and adenomyosis. Current studies are providing new insights in endometriosis and adenomyosis through tissue engineering and systems biology.

See an exciting talk by Dr Griffith at TEDxMIT here.

Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Care Collaborative/Multidisciplinary Endometriosis Conference

Newton-Wellesley Hospital offers a unique and innovative resource for patients with complex endometriosis with our Endometriosis Multidisciplinary Conference. Endometriosis experts from Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Radiology, Colorectal Surgery, Urology and Pathology meet on a monthly basis to discuss complex patients and optimize treatment plans.

Learn more about this innovative approach

Local and regional infertility practices

Through close collaboration with infertility practices in the Boston area and throughout New England, the NWH MIGS Center offers patients treatment options that preserve and optimize fertility.  When considering treatment options, our program prioritizes each patient’s individual goals through thoughtful counseling and shared decision. Patients at the NWH MIGS Center have access to a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic technology as well as multidisciplinary support teams within Newton-Wellesley Hospital.