Section of Complex Gynecology & Surgery

The Section of Complex Gynecology and Surgery provides advanced care for women with challenging benign gynecologic conditions, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, pelvic adhesive disease, and abnormal uterine bleeding. 

We specialize in caring for women with extensive surgical histories, significant scar tissue, or complex medical conditions such as high BMI, diabetes, or a history of blood clots requiring treatment with blood thinners. Our team is experienced in safely managing medically complex patients while delivering excellent surgical outcomes.

Nationally recognized for excellence in fibroid care, we are leaders in minimally invasive myomectomy and hysterectomy. Within our section, 93% of hysterectomies and 87% of myomectomies are performed using minimally invasive techniques, far exceeding national averages of approximately 50% and 37%, respectively. Our surgeons are experts in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery, offering patients less pain, faster recovery, and excellent long-term results.

The section is home to the Center for Advanced Treatment and Research (CATeR) of Uterine Fibroids, founded and directed by Dr. Sandra Madueke-Laveaux, and the Pelvic Pain Center, directed by Dr. Insiyyah Patanwala. These programs integrate surgical expertise with advanced imaging, translational research, and evidence-based non-surgical therapies.

Our mission is to provide thoughtful, uterine-preserving solutions whenever appropriate and to empower women with clear, evidence-based guidance about their treatment options.

Dr. Sandra Laveaux is a fellowship-trained complex benign gynecologic surgeon and serves as Section Chief of Complex Gynecology and Surgery at UChicago Medicine. She is the Founding Director of the Center for Advanced Treatment and Research (CATeR) of Uterine Fibroids, a multidisciplinary program dedicated to advancing the care of women with fibroid disease.

Dr. Laveaux specializes in the management of large and complex uterine fibroids using advanced robotic surgical techniques. Her research focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of fibroids through advanced imaging, including ultrasound-based elastography, radiomics, and artificial intelligence approaches to precision medicine. She collaborates closely with physician-scientist Dr. Ayman Al-Hendy to study the biological and environmental factors that contribute to fibroid development.

Dr. Farah Alvi is a fellowship-trained complex benign gynecologic surgeon and board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. She specializes in the surgical management of complex gynecologic conditions, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, and pelvic pain.

Dr. Alvi is highly skilled in advanced robotic and laparoscopic surgical techniques and is committed to providing individualized care that prioritizes patient goals while achieving excellent surgical outcomes and recovery.

Dr. Laura Douglass is a fellowship-trained complex benign gynecologic surgeon with expertise in advanced gynecologic surgery and the management of complex pelvic conditions. She is widely recognized for her work in treating endometriosis and complex surgical cases.

Dr. Douglass serves in several leadership roles within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including Director of Gynecology Service and Site Director of the Complex Benign Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship. She also directs the Transabdominal Cerclage (TAC) Program and was trained in TAC surgery by Dr. Arthur Haney, who pioneered this technique for patients with complicated cervical insufficiency.

Dr. Insiyyah Patanwala is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with specialized training in complex benign gynecologic surgery. Her clinical practice focuses on chronic pelvic pain and complex gynecologic conditions including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, abnormal bleeding, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, sexual pain, and vulvodynia.

She directs the Pelvic Pain Center and integrates medical management, procedural therapies, and multidisciplinary care to address the complex needs of patients with chronic pelvic pain. Dr. Patanwala also serves on the Board of the International Pelvic Pain Society. 

Dr. Hannah Ryles is fellowship-trained in complex benign gynecologic surgery and is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She specializes in the medical and surgical management of patients with large fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, and ovarian cysts.

Dr. Ryles performs advanced hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures and offers both uterine-preserving surgical options and hysterectomy depending on each patient’s goals. Her academic interests include fibroid disease, ovarian cysts, and surgical education for the next generation of gynecologic surgeons.

Dr. Shari Snow is a highly experienced robotic gynecologic surgeon who specializes in the management of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and hereditary cancer syndromes. She has extensive expertise in complex gynecologic surgery and advanced robotic techniques.

Dr. Snow is also a Certified Menopause Practitioner through the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). In addition to her clinical work, she serves as Executive Medical Director of UChicago Medicine River East and is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing women’s health services across the institution.

The Section of Complex Gynecology & Surgery collaborates with colleagues at NorthShore University HealthSystem to offer an AAGL-accredited complex benign gynecologic surgery fellowship. Our team prepares the next generation of expert gynecologic surgeons and researchers to be leaders in their field.