Colposcopy
A colposcopy is a special way of looking at the cervix. It uses a light and a low-powered microscope to make the cervix appear much larger. This helps a patient’s health care provider find and then biopsy abnormal areas in the cervix. The procedure is done to detect cervical cancer and changes that may lead to cervical cancer. It is most often done when a patient has had an abnormal Pap smear or has had bleeding after sexual intercourse. The colposcopy may also be used to keep track of HPV, and to look for abnormal changes that can come back after treatment.
Endometrial Ablation
An excellent technique for decreasing menstrual flow without a hysterectomy. There is no effect on the ovaries and, therefore, no need for hormone therapy. An ablation procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery, with patient’s returning home the same day, and without the need for an abdominal or vaginal incision.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
The purpose of the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix that may become cancerous. Unlike other ways of treating precancerous lesions of the cervix, LEEP removes the abnormal tissue without destroying it. The removed tissue can then be examined in the laboratory. Very little of the normal tissue is removed. About 95 percent of patients are cured of their problems following loop excision of abnormal cervical tissue.
Advantages of LEEP:
D&C Hysteroscopy
Examination and evaluation of uterine anatomy and pathology.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (uterus). It is life-threatening to the mother and the pregnancy cannot continue to birth (term). The developing cells must be removed to save the mother’s life.
If there is a rupture, surgery is done to stop blood loss and remove the pregnancy. Call your provider if you have:
Endometrial Biopsy
An endometrial biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for examination. The procedure is done to find the cause of abnormal periods, bleeding after menopause or from taking HRT medicines, thickened uterine lining, or endometrial cancer.
Hysterectomy
Laparoscopic/robotic/open removal of the uterus with or without the removal of tubes and ovaries.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is the surgical procedure commonly known as “tying the tubes”. Tubal ligation permanently sterilizes a woman by preventing transport of the egg (ovum) to the uterus, and by blocking the passage of sperm up the tube to the ovulating ovary where fertilization normally occurs.
Tubal ligation is done in the hospital or outpatient surgical clinic while the patient is under anesthesia.
Uterine Prolapse
The falling or sliding of the uterus from its normal position in the pelvic cavity into the vaginal canal. Uterine prolapse occurs most commonly in women who have had one or more vaginal births, and in Caucasian women.
Most surgery should be deferred until symptoms are significant enough to outweigh the risks.