Dr. Paul J. MacKoul, MD

As director and founder of The Center for Innovative GYN Care in Rockville, Maryland, Paul MacKoul MD serves as the lead physician for one of the nation's premiere gynecologic surgery practices. He specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and has developed innovative surgical procedures such as DualPortGYN and LAAM. Board certified in gynecology and gynecologic oncology, Dr. Paul MacKoul holds membership with the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgeons and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. Dr. MacKoul received a master’s degree from the Vincent T. Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University and went on to obtain his medical degree from Tufts University Medical School. He completed his residency in OB/GYN at the University of Maryland, where he was named administrative chief resident. At the University of North Carolina, Dr. MacKoul completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology. Dr. Paul J. MacKoul also serves as the director of Minimally Invasive GYN Surgery at Silver Spring, Maryland’s Holy Cross Hospital. Women travel to the Washington DC metro area from across the country and from around the world for CIGC’s advanced procedures. Patients recover in less than 2 weeks after minimally invasive myomectomy with the LAAM approach, and in only 1 week after procedures like minimally invasive hysterectomy or endometriosis excision with the DualPortGYN technique. Call 888-SURGERY to schedule an appointment today.

[drpaulmackoul]

Feeling Pain During Intercourse Could Be Related To An Underlying GYN Condition

If you’re feeling pain during intercourse, it could be linked to a number of factors, including STIs, UTIs, vaginismus (spasms in pelvic floor muscles), hormonal changes, allergies, or even fibroids and endometriosis. 

Persistent pain during intercourse should be discussed with a physician in case there’s a more serious cause. In the case of endometriosis, only laparoscopy can diagnose it. An ultrasound can detect fibroids, but if left untreated they will continue to grow, possibly threatening fertility. 

To learn more about the potential causes for pain during intercourse, read the complete Refinery29 article, “If You’re In Pain During Sex, Read This.”

To schedule an appointment with CIGC surgical specialists Dr. Natalya Danilyants or me, Dr. Paul MacKoul, call 888-SURGERY or reach out online.

[drpaulmackoul]

Delaying Care for Fibroids, Endometriosis Leads to High Costs, Infertility

I see it on a daily basis: women who delay treatment of complex GYN conditions like fibroids and endometriosis only to find out that they are infertile due to the progression of these diseases. 

With fibroids, patients are often advised to “watch and wait” by their OBGYNs, allowing the fibroids to grow and overtake the uterus. As they get larger, fibroids cause pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and abdominal distension. 

Because endometriosis can only be diagnosed with laparoscopy, many OBGYNs will prescribe birth control or pain medications to help patients manage the debilitating pain and excessive bleeding that come with this condition. Expensive imaging tests may be ordered as well, further adding to the cost and prolonging treatment. 

Read the full article and learn more about the high cost of misdiagnosing women’s health conditions in Healthcare Business Today. 

To schedule an appointment with CIGC surgical specialists Dr. Natalya Danilyants or me, Dr. Paul MacKoul, call 888-SURGERY or reach out online.

[drpaulmackoul]

Robots Are Not Always the Answer, Especially when Treating GYN Conditions

In a recent Q&A with Robotics Business Review’s Keith Shaw, I discuss the proliferation of robotics’ use in laparoscopic GYN surgeries, and the various drawbacks of using this expensive machinery to achieve sub-par outcomes for GYN patients. 

Robotics are becoming the standard for residents training to become OBGYNs as well as OBGYNs performing surgeries themselves. The issue is that OBGYNs are focused mostly on obstetrics, with only 20-25% of their time dedicated to surgery. This lack of specialization in surgical techniques as well as the increased cost of using a robot due to the initial investment in the machinery itself, plus the longer operating times associated with robotic surgery lead to the patient taking longer to recover and paying more in the end. 

CIGC has published peer-reviewed research that demonstrates that laparoscopic-assisted myomectomy is just as effective as open or robotic surgery, but costs less and has a faster recovery time. 

Many patients and their OBGYNs have the misconception that robotics will deliver superior outcomes, but the data doesn’t show this. Patients deserve to know all of their surgical options, especially if they are less costly and result in faster recovery. 

Read the full Q&A here (starts on page 15): “Robots Not Always the Answer for All Procedures, Doctor Says”

To schedule an appointment with CIGC surgical specialists Dr. Natalya Danilyants or me, Dr. Paul MacKoul, call 888-SURGERY or reach out online.

[drpaulmackoul]

CIGC Launches New Patient Advocacy Program

CIGC’s Patient Advocacy Coordinators (PACs) will be the single main point of contact for women undergoing gynecologic surgery with CIGC, providing clinical, emotional and financial support through every step of their journey. 

PACs undergo in-depth training to better understand conditions that include endometriosis and fibroids. Only through truly understanding the process of these diseases can the medical community better help patients cope emotionally to what is necessary for their rapid and successful treatment. The result is more timely treatment to ensure a higher level of success and much less pain and suffering.

From scheduling an initial consultation and helping women to understand their various treatment options to identifying the appropriate procedure for them and following up once that procedure takes place, this new program covers all aspects of the patient experience. We are giving women the undivided attention, expertise, and guidance that they deserve throughout the process so that they feel empowered to take control of their health again.

Read the full press release: CIGC Launches New Patient Advocacy Program to Help Guide Women’s Experiences with Complex Female Health Surgeries

To schedule an appointment with the CIGC surgical specialists Dr. Natalya Danilyants or Dr. Paul MacKoul, call 888-SURGERY or reach out online.

[drpaulmackoul]

CIGC Expands to NY and NJ in 2019

This year, The Center for Innovative GYN Care has opened two new locations, in New York and New Jersey, expanding access to care for prominent women’s health issues. Women struggling with complex GYN conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis can now schedule in office visits with the CIGC specialists in Manhattan and Montclair, NJ, with procedures being performed at Center for Modern Surgery (CMS) in Secaucus, NJ.

CMS is, in fact, one of the few GYN-only outpatient surgical centers in the world using the advanced techniques of DualPortGYN for endometriosis and LAAM for fibroids for even the most difficult cases. These advanced minimally invasive techniques that CIGC co-founders have developed are helping thousands of women across the country, and around the world, find relief.

The full press release is available here: CIGC Launches in New York and New Jersey, Expanding Access to Care for Prominent Women's Health Issues.

To schedule an appointment with the CIGC surgical specialists Dr. Natalya Danilyants or Dr. Paul MacKoul, call 888-SURGERY or reach out online.

[drpaulmackoul]

Hospital & Healthcare Management | ASC Expansion in Rural Areas

Ambulatory Surgery Centers have been playing a significant role in access to surgical care across the United States. If properly managed and run, an ASC can provide a greater level of convenience and efficiency, as well as decreased costs, compared to a hospital. 

Regardless of where they live or what they do, patients should never have to undergo an open procedure when there is a better option that dramatically decreases recovery time, pain, incision size and complications. Patients should seek out these highly specialized centers and look for surgeons beyond their OBGYN generalist to ensure the highest quality of care possible. 

Read the full byline published by Hospital & Healthcare Management here.

The Center for Innovative GYN Care co-founders Dr. Paul MacKoul and Dr. Natalya Danilyants have dedicated their lives to optimizing surgical GYN care for women. CIGC patients who undergo advanced gynecologic surgery find relief faster, with less pain. Visit patient review websites for testimonials: Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews | Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews. To schedule an evaluation, call 888-SURGERY.

[drpaulmackoul]

Fibroids and Fertility: National Infertility Awareness Week

Fibroids are benign growths (non-cancerous tumors) that develop within the muscle of the womb. They affect approximately 80% of all women, and can affect a woman’s ability to conceive and carry to term. Next week is National Infertility Awareness Week (April 21-27), and CIGC wants to ensure women have the facts on possible underlying conditions that can cause infertility. Many are able to have successful pregnancies after minimally invasive GYN surgery. CIGC fibroid removal patient, Raynelle, struggled with infertility for years until she underwent a minimally-invasive laparoscopic fibroid removal surgery. Read about Raynelle’s journal from fibroids to fertility in this CIGC article. 

Talk To A Specialist

When looking for the most effective fibroid treatment options, seek the help of a specialist. To schedule an evaluation with CIGC physician Dr. Natalya Danilyants or Dr. Paul MacKoul, call 888-SURGERY or reach out online. Women residing outside of the Washington DC area can look into our travel program. Patient reviews are available online: Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews | Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews.

[drpaulmackoul]

April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month

Although often misunderstood, endometriosis has gained prominence in recent years due to celebrities like Lena Dunham and Julianna Hough bringing attention to this painful and chronic disease. March is designated as Endometriosis Awareness Month--signified by yellow ribbons--but few know about endo’s so-called “evil twin,” adenomyosis. In April, purple ribbons are worn to mark Adenomyosis Awareness Month in an effort to educate women about this equally debilitating illness. 

Adenomyosis symptoms can include heavy monthly bleeding and intense pain. To learn more about adenomyosis symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, read this WTOP article: Adenomyosis: When Period Pain Is More Than It Should Be 

CIGC surgical specialists Dr. Natalya Danilyants and Dr. Paul MacKoul use the DualPortGYN technique for hysterectomy to treat adenomyosis. Hear from our patients: read testimonials in our patient spotlight section, and on third party review sites: Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews | Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews.

To schedule an evaluation with a CIGC physician, call 888-SURGERY or reach out online. Women residing outside the Washington DC area can also learn about our travel program.

[drpaulmackoul]

What Every Woman Should Know About GYN Surgical Volume.

Because of the bond of trust established between a patient and her OBGYN, many times a woman will overlook one of the most important factors in considering GYN surgery: surgical volume. An OBGYN performs around 24 hysterectomy procedures each year on average. More experienced GYN surgeons perform more than 50 procedures each year, which is considered high-volume. For complex cases, finding a specialist who performs hundreds of these procedures annually is imperative.

At The Center for Innovative GYN Care (CIGC),  we average 2,000 surgical cases annually, which is unheard of for many small GYN surgical practices.

What’s even more concerning is that few specialists are trained in advanced GYN surgical techniques, despite the advantages of laparoscopic surgery (smaller incisions, faster recovery). Patients with complex GYN conditions need to know if their surgeon is defined as high-volume and how often that surgeon has encountered patients with similar or greater complexity.

Read more in this recent article from CIGC and WTOP: How Many Laparoscopic Hysterecomies Has Your Surgeon Performed?  

Advanced laparoscopic procedures provided by CIGC Co-founders Dr. Natalya Danilyants and Dr. Paul MacKoul, help women recover faster after GYN surgery, with less pain. To schedule an evaluation, give us a call at 888-SURGERY or reach out online. Patient testimonials are available on the CIGC website, and on doctor review sites: Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews | Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews.

[drpaulmackoul]

Abnormal Bleeding Every Month Isn’t Normal.

Abnormal bleeding can be stressful for any woman, disrupting every day activities, work, and social events. Possible underlying causes could be a GYN condition such as fibroids or adenomyosis. If left untreated, not only can the underlying condition worsen, but abnormal bleeding can lead to anemia. 

You shouldn’t have to settle for a life of pain, fatigue, and discomfort. There are minimally invasive options to safely treat the cause. Learn about abnormal GYN bleeding and how it can be treated with advanced, minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures.

CIGC surgical specialists Dr. Natalya Danilyants and Dr. Paul MacKoul use the advanced LAAM technique for minimally invasive fibroid removal to preserve fertility, and the DualPortGYN technique for hysterectomy to treat adenomyosis. Hear from our patients: read testimonials in our patient spotlight section, and on third party review sites: Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews | Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews.

To schedule an evaluation with a CIGC physician, call 888-SURGERY or reach out online. Women residing outside the Washington DC area can also learn about our travel program.

[drpaulmackoul]

Thrive Global: A New Way to Perform Laparoscopic Surgery

In a recent Q&A with Thrive Global writer Christine D. Warner, Paul MacKoul explores circumstances surrounding the lack of expertise when it comes to minimally invasive GYN surgery.

The introduction and adoption of robotic surgery by OBGYNs in the U.S. drove me to develop new and unique approaches to procedures that the OBGYNs were performing either open or robotically. I began to see the Davinci robot being applied to everything from hysterectomy, to myomectomy, to simple ovarian cyst removal. It was necessary to develop new applications of existing technology with innovation to create a more effective, faster, option with lower complications, faster recovery and at a lower cost. Further, the techniques and procedures used had to be accessible to all patients, regardless of the size of the uterus or fibroids, and also had to be applicable to the outpatient ambulatory surgical setting. DualPortGYN Hysterectomy and LAAM  -  Laparoscopic Assisted Abdominal Myomectomy -  are clearly the answer as shown by studies presented and accepted to peer reviewed journals. These papers support the superior outcomes and lower costs of these procedures in both the hospital and ambulatory surgery center setting.

Read the full article: The Future of Healthcare: “A new way to perform laparoscopic surgery” with Dr. Paul MacKoul

Advanced laparoscopic procedures provided by CIGC Co-founders Dr. Natalya Danilyants and Dr. Paul MacKoul, help women recover faster after GYN surgery, with less pain. To schedule an evaluation, give us a call at 888-SURGERY or reach out online. Patient testimonials are available on the CIGC website, and on doctor review sites: Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews | Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews.

[drpaulmackoul]

Endometriosis: Understanding The Pain & How To Find Relief

While endometriosis is a chronic condition and can’t be cured, finding specialty care is an essential part of managing symptoms. It can take up to 10 years to get diagnosed, due to physicians not recognizing the symptoms, or dismissing them. Women suffering from severe pelvic pain with their menstrual cycle should seek the help of a specialist, to correctly diagnose them and provide efficient treatment.

Minimally invasive endometriosis excision is a specialty procedure that requires expert surgical precision as well as knowledge of techniques to prevent future scarring. It also requires an understanding of the patient’s long-term plans for fertility. Radical stripping of endometriosis can damage the delicate reproductive organs, which can be avoided with advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques.

CIGC physicians Dr. Natalya Danilyants and Dr. Paul MacKoul have innovated the DualPortGYN surgical technique, using only two 5 mm incisions to perform laparoscopic resection of endometriosis. Women recover faster after endometriosis surgery, with less pain.

Read more in this recent article from The Center For Innovative GYN Care and WTOP: Endometriosis: So Much More Than Period Pain.

To schedule a consultation with a CIGC endometriosis specialist, call 888-SURGERY or reach out online. For patient feedback, visit our Patient Testimonials section, or physician review sites: Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews | Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews. Women residing outside the Washington DC area can look into CIGC’s travel program.

[drpaulmackoul]

Women Share Positive Outcomes After GYN Surgery

With the release of her memoir, Michelle Obama opens up about her difficultly getting pregnant, and eventually turning to IVF. This WTOP News article talks about women's struggles with GYN conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis, which can affect fertility. Read the stories of Aziza, Arnice, and Valinda, and learn how their lives changed after minimally invasive GYN surgery at The Center for Innovative GYN Care. 

Read the full WTOP article, provided by The Center for Innovative GYN Care: Michelle Obama is encouraging others to be open about their struggles with infertility 

CIGC surgical specialists Dr. Natalya Danilyants and Dr. Paul MacKoul have innovated advanced laparoscopic techniques for the surgical treatment of complex GYN conditions. Women recover faster, with less pain after minimally invasive GYN surgery. Patient feedback is available in the Patient Testimonials section on the CIGC site, and on doctor review sites: Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews | Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews.

CIGC has offices in the Washington DC metro area. Women who live outside the area, and do not have for minimally invasive options for treatment close to home, can look into our travel program.

[drpaulmackoul]

Find Fast Relief For Complex GYN Conditions

The Center for Innovative GYN Care patients like Wendy say they "had the best experience, no down time; I went to mall next day, went to Hard Rock Cafe the day after that. Would highly recommend!” 

Before the year ends, find relief from GYN pain! Discover CIGC's exclusive techniques used to treat fibroids and endometriosis. The exclusive LAAM fertility sparing technique uses only 2 small incisions to remove fibroids any size. The DualPortGYN technique is used to perform procedures such as hysterectomy and endometriosis excision, women typically recover in 1 week.

CIGC patients find relief sooner. To reach a Patient Relations Coordinator, call 888-SURGERY or reach out online. A consultation can be scheduled with Dr. Natalya Danilyants or Dr. Paul MacKoul as soon as December 2018. Patient feedback is available in the Patient Testimonials section of the CIGC blog and on doctor review websites: Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews | Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews.

[drpaulmackoul]

Hysterectomy vs Myomectomy for Fibroid Removal

When it comes to fibroid removal, understanding the difference between a hysterectomy and a myomectomy is essential for making the best decision for your health. Myomectomy should only be performed when fertility and pregnancy is still an option. Otherwise, a minimally invasive hysterectomy may provide a better outcome. Read more in this recent article from The Center for Innovative GYN Care: Surgical Fibroid Removal Options: How To Choose Between A Hysterectomy And A Myomectomy

Talk to a CIGC specialist Dr. Natalya Danilyants or Dr. Paul MacKoul about your options for fibroid removal. CIGC’s advanced techiques allow women to achieve relief faster, and go back to work sooner. Read more from our patients in the Patient Testimonials section, and on doctor review websites: Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews | Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews.

To reach a CIGC patient relations coordinator, call 888-SURGERY or reach out online.

[drpaulmackoul]

Surgical Volume Matters For Better Patient Outcomes

When it comes to surgical treatment of complex gynecologic conditions, a surgeon’s volume matters. Patients often don’t know that they can choose a laparoscopic specialist to perform their procedure. Women end up undergoing unnecessary open surgeries for common procedures such as hysterectomy. Surgical specialists are not only trained in advanced minimally invasive procedures, they also see women with more complex conditions, and are better trained to recognize symptoms & provide efficient treatment.

The large volume of complex cases that CIGC surgeons have treated brings experience and skill that translates into exceptional outcomes for the patient. Surgeons who are able to perform more cases at a higher level of skill often means that they have seen cases with more complexity, and are able to offer a better patient experience overall. CIGC surgical specialists Dr. Natalya Danilyants and Dr. Paul MacKoul average 2,000 surgical cases annually, which is unheard of for many small GYN surgical practices. This is far above the 50 plus cases that defines a high-volume GYN surgeon.

Read more in this recent CIGC article, shared by WTOP: How many laparoscopic hysterectomies has your surgeon performed? 

To get in touch with a CIGC patient relations coordinator, call 888-SURGERY, or reach out online. For patient feedback, visit our Patient Testimonials section, or doctor review sites: Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews | Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews.

[drpaulmackoul]

September is Pain Awareness Month

September is Pain Awareness Month. Women suffering from GYN pain caused by complex conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids, often struggle for years before finding relief. It's important to speak up about these symptoms, and seek help. Specialty GYN care can often make all the difference in diagnosing and treating the source of the pain. 

Pain can be relieved with minimally invasive procedures that help women get back to themselves in a matter of days. For procedures such as resection of endometriosis or hysterectomy, CIGC surgical specialists use the DualPortGYN technique. LAAM is a fertility sparing procedure for fibroids. Both advanced surgical techniques use two incisions only, and women recover in less than 2 weeks. Discover CIGC's advanced minimally invasive techniques used to treat pelvic pain, and other symptoms caused by gynecologic conditions.

Visit InnovativeGYN.com for more information about pain caused by complex GYN conditions, and minimally invasive treatment. Patient testimonials after surgery performed by CIGC physicians Dr. Natalya Danilyants and Dr. Paul MacKoul are available in the patient spotlight section.

To schedule an appointment, call 8880-SURGERY or visit us online.