We are extremely excited in providing cutting edge surgical techniques for our patients including Advanced Laparoscopic surgery for the non-pregnant and pregnant patients. Noted to be recognized as the Best Doctors in America for our laparoscopic alternatives to larger incisions, we commonly perform laparoscopic removal of fibroids, laparoscopic removal of ovarian cysts and tumors, Pelvic reconstructive surgery for pain and bladder procedures. Most of our procedures allow our patients to go home the same day of her surgery. We are enthusiastically pursuing techniques to avoid hysterectomies, but when there are no alternatives, we can often remove the uterus laparoscopically instead of making a large incision. 
| More than 1 in 4 U.S. women will have a hysterectomy by the time they are 60 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
We offer Advanced Hysteroscopic techniques for both diagnosing and treating a variety of disorders. Hysteroscopic techniques actually avoid even the small incisions of the laparoscopic methods. We are always pursuing the latest techniques with an emphasis on alternatives to hysterectomies including hysteroscopic removal of fibroid tumors and Endometrial ablation techniques for heavy bleeding. This method not only avoids any incision for our patient, but is performed as outpatient surgery. Many patients return to work as soon as the next day. We are part of the pioneering technique for sterilization. The Essure Hysteroscopic Tubal Sterilization , also performed as an outpatient procedure, requires no incisions. This new technology and procedure avoids even the small incisions of the so-called “band-aid” or laparoscopic tubal ligation. This procedure allows many women who are not a candidate for even the small incisions to have permanent birth control, also going home the same day. We pride ourselves on the education and teaching of our patients that will allow our patients to help decide the most efficient and comfortable treatment plan that will benefit them, and return them to their lives and work with the least amount of discomfort and delay. These lofty goals inspire us to continue to perform procedures that have not been accomplished in the past. What many other physicians say cannot be accomplished we perform every day!
Dr. James Carter is the only member of The Society of Gynecologic Surgeons in South Carolina. He directs the MUSC Gynecologic Endoscopy Laboratory which teaches Resident Physicians the science and art of Minimally Invasive Surgery. He performed the first Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy at the Medical University in 1992 and has since added various Laparoscopic techniques including Laparoscopic Pelvic Support Procedures for Incontinence and Pelvic Relaxation, and Laparoscopic Procedures in Pregnancy. We are constantly pushing the envelope including recent successes in Laparoscopic Abdominal Cerclage procedure for women with failed vaginal procedures that would have otherwise had to have large incisions to place or remove these sutures to prevent miscarriages.
MUSC Online Health Library Resources:
 What is a Hysterectomy
Other Online Resources:
Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Alternatives to Hysterectomy: New Technologies, More Options- Food and Drug Administration
Gynecologic laparoscopy- Medlineplus
Laparoscopy- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Laparoscopy- American Medical Association
Hysterectomy- National Library of Medicine
About Hysterectomy: Surgical Removal of the Uterus, or Womb- American College of Surgeons
Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Hysterectomy- National Women's Health Information Center 
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