Surgical Procedures | OBGYN | Together Women’s Health

Surgical Procedures

OPTIONS FOR FEMALE SURGERY

Endometrial Ablation

If you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, endometrial ablation may be the solution. Our Physicians perform the *Minerva Endometrial Ablation. It is minimally invasive and highly effective. It is performed as an outpatient alternative to a hysterectomy for the treatment of heavy periods.

Recovery is fast, and most women can return to their normal activities by the next day. To learn more about the procedures:

Laparoscopy

A laparoscope is a small telescope that is inserted into the abdomen (belly button) through a small incision (cut). It brings light into the abdomen so the doctor can see inside. Laparoscopy is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning you don't have to stay in the hospital overnight. Laparoscopy is often used to diagnose causes of abdominal pain. If the doctor finds that he or she can treat the condition during the procedure, diagnostic laparoscopy can turn into operative laparoscopy. This procedure is used to treat many health problems. Laparoscopes can be used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, fibroids, adhesions, ovarian cysts, and infertility. Before undergoing laparoscopy, you and your doctor will discuss the procedure and any other treatment.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

This surgical procedure is used to remove the lining (endometrium) and contents of the uterus. The D&C is most often used to diagnose and treat abnormal uterine bleeding. It is also sometimes used to treat miscarriage. We normally perform this procedure in a hospital or outpatient surgery setting.

Diagnostic Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscope is a camera that is used to look inside the uterus. This procedure can be used to help remove polyps, uterine lining, and fibroids. In most cases, this is done with a dilation and curettage (D&C).

Resection for Uterine Fibroids

The *Myosure" system can be used to remove uterine fibroids or polyps. The surgery is done using a camera (hysteroscope) that has a special instrument that helps vaporize the fibroid or polyp. With this procedure there is no cutting of the skin or sutures, therefore recovery is quick. It is an outpatient procedure. http://www.myosure.com/patients/what-myosure-procedure

Hysterectomy Options

Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. There are many reasons one may need to have a hysterectomy. The type of hysterectomy chosen depends on the reason for the surgery. It also depends on the findings of a pelvic exam. Your doctor may suggest abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopically assisted vaginal, or laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. You may or may not have your ovaries and tubes removed at the time of your hysterectomy. That is something you should discuss with your doctor.  

DaVinci Robotic Hysterectomy
Surgeons using da Vinci technology may be able to remove your uterus through either a few small incisions (cuts) or through one small incision in your belly button using Single-Site® technology. During surgery, your surgeon sits at a console next to you and operates using tiny instruments. 

Abdominal Hysterectomy
In an abdominal hysterectomy, the doctor makes an incision (cut) through the skin and tissue in the lower abdomen to reach the uterus. The incision may be vertical (up and down) or horizontal (side to side). Abdominal hysterectomy requires a longer healing time than vaginal or laparoscopic surgery. The doctor may suggest this procedure if you have fibroids (large tumors) or if cancer may be present.

Vaginal Hysterectomy
In a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgery is done through the vagina. With this type of surgery, you will not have any scarring on your abdomen. Because the incision is inside the vagina, the healing time may be shorter than with abdominal surgery.

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
With laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), the doctor removes the uterus through the vagina. Your doctor may suggest LAVH if standard vaginal surgery cannot be done. LAVH involves the use of a small light-transmitting device called a laparoscope. The device is put into the abdomen through a small incision. It lets the doctor see the pelvic organs on a screen while doing the surgery. Additional small cuts are made in the abdomen to assist the surgery. The uterus is removed through the vagina. Recovery from LAVH is similar to vaginal hysterectomy. However, the time it takes to perform a LAVH can be a longer time than a standard vaginal hysterectomy.

Together Women’s Health is here for all of your female health needs. Please note that services may vary across practices and locations.

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