Gynecology Procedures
Below is a guide to all of the procedures offered by Gentle Hands OBGYN. Explore the topic areas, read the brief descriptions of the procedures, and click through to learn more specific information about preparing for the procedure, and what you should expect after the procedure.
It’s important to note that this information is not completely comprehensive, and is intended to provide an overview of the procedure and your care. You should always have a thorough discussion with your physician prior to any procedure. Also, it’s important to note that, as with any procedure, there are risks, but these procedures are generally safe. Many of the risks closely associated with these procedures are very rare; once again, you should have a more detailed conversation with your physician about the risks and benefits of each procedure.
Uterine Procedures
Dilation & Evacuation
What is a Dilation & Evacuation?
Dilation & evacuation (D&E) is one of the methods used when a woman is having a miscarriage. A D&E is done to completely remove all of the tissue in the uterus after confirmation of no fetal heart tones or severe fetal abnormalities in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Myomectomy
What is myomectomy?
Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus. It allows the uterus to be left in place and, for some women, makes pregnancy more likely than before. Myomectomy is the preferred fibroid treatment for women who want to become pregnant. After myomectomy, your chances of pregnancy may be improved, but are not guaranteed.
Hysteroscopy with Lysis of Adhesions
What is a hysteroscopy with lysis of adhesions?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a hysteroscope to look at the inside of your uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin tube with a tiny camera. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. Your provider can guide a tool into the uterus to remove adhesions (bands of scar tissue) from the uterus.
Endometrial Ablation
What is an Endometrial Ablation?
An endometrial ablation is a procedure that uses a lighted viewing instrument (hysteroscope) and other instruments to destroy the uterine lining or endometrium. The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding.
Dilation and Curettage
What is a dilation and curettage?
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a minor surgical procedure used to remove tissue from the uterus. The uterus is the organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. Dilation is preformed to open and widen the cervix (entrance to the uterus). Curettage is used to remove tissue from the uterus.
Excision and Biopsy Procedures
Conization of the Cervix
What is conization of the cervix?
Conization of the cervix is an operation to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix. The cervix is the lower, cone-shaped part of the uterus. The uterus is a muscular organ at the top of the vagina where menstruation begins and babies grow.
Vaginal Excision
What is vulvar or vaginal excision?
A vulvar or vaginal excision is when tissue on the vulva or vagina is removed.
Resection of the Hymen
What is resection of the Hymen?
A vulvar or vaginal excision is when the hymenal band is removed.
Hysteroscopy with Lysis of Adhesions
What is a hysteroscopy with lysis of adhesions?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a hysteroscope to look at the inside of your uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin tube with a tiny camera. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. Your provider can guide a tool into the uterus to remove adhesions (bands of scar tissue) from the uterus.
LEEP/LLETZ Under Anesthesia
What is LEEP/LLETZ?
LEEP is a procedure for removing a type of abnormal tissue growth in the cervix called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). It uses a thin wire loop attached to an electrical unit.
The cervix is the narrow, lower portion of the uterus. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus, through the cervix.
LEEP is an abbreviation for loop electrosurgical excision procedure. It is also referred to as large look excision of the transformation zone, or LLETZ.
Laser Vaporization
What is laser vaporization?
Laser vaporization is the use of a laser to destroy cells, usually of the cervix, vagina or vulva that have premalignant (dysplastic) cells in them.
Why is this procedure necessary?
This procedure is necessary to destroy premalignant cells that may develop into cancerous cells if left untreated.
Excision Biopsy
What is an excision biopsy?
An excision biopsy is a procedure for complete removal of a lump or abnormal area from the skin or other part of the body. The tissue is then sent to a lab for tests.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal Ligation
What is a laparoscopy for tubal ligation?
A laparoscopy for tubal ligation is a procedure in which your health care provider closes a woman’s fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. It is a type of sterilization for women. The fallopian tubes carry eggs to the uterus. Your provider uses a laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and tiny camera) to see the fallopian tubes. Your provider uses other instruments for closing the tubes.. This prevents pregnancy because it stops sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs.
Laparoscopic Procedures
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
What is a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through four tiny abdominal incisions less than one quarter to one half an inch in length. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy and Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy and a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. A bilateral salpingo oophorectomy is a surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
In a vaginal hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy assisted with laparoscopy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Vaginal hysterectomy Assisted with Laparoscopy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
In a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Laparoscopic Assisted Supracervical Hysterectomy
What is a laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy?
A laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through four tiny abdominal incisions less than one quarter to one half an inch in length usually leaving the cervix in place. Removal of the tubes and ovaries can also be done if desired. Hysterectomy can be subdivided into a total hysterectomy, which includes removal of the uterus and cervix, or sub-total hysterectomy, removal of only the upper part of the uterus and leaving the cervix in place (as in supracervical). The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. In a laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy
What is a laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy is a procedure in which your health care provider uses a laparoscope to treat a problem with organs or tissue inside your abdomen. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera. During a cystectomy an ovarian cyst is removed.
Operative Laparoscopy
What is an operative laparoscopy?
An operative laparoscopy is a procedure in which your health care provider uses a laparoscope to look at the organs and tissue inside your abdomen and make repairs to improve your symptoms. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera. Your health care provider will remove adhesions, endometriosis, one or both ovaries, one or both fallopian tubes, the appendix and anything else that is necessary to treat the condition.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
What is a diagnostic laparoscopy?
A diagnostic laparoscopy is a procedure in which your health care provider uses a laparoscope to look at the organs and tissues inside your abdomen. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Hysterectomy Procedures
Unilateral or Bilateral Salpingo Oopherectomy
What is unilateral or bilateral salpingo oopherectomy?
A unilateral salpingo oopherectomy is a procedure in which the ovary and fallopian tube on one side of the body is removed. A bilateral salpingo oopherectomy is when both fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
Vaginal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
What is a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy?
A bilateral salpingo oophorectomy is sometimes done in combination with other procedures and involves the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
What is a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through four tiny abdominal incisions less than one quarter to one half an inch in length. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Abdominal Hysterectomy & Bilateral Salingo Oophorectomy
What is abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salingo oophorectomy?
An abdominal hysterectomy is when the uterus and the cervix are removed through an incision in the lower abdomen. A bilateral salingo oopherectomy is the removal or both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
What is an abdominal hysterectomy?
An abdominal hysterectomy is a procedure in which the uterus is removed through a cut in the abdomen. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. Other female organs may also be removed when the uterus is removed:
- A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lymph nodes.
- A total hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and the cervix, but not the ovaries or tubes.
- A subtotal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, but the ovaries, cervix, and fallopian tubes are left in place
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy and Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy and a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. A bilateral salpingo oophorectomy is a surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
In a vaginal hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy assisted with laparoscopy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Vaginal Hysterectomy Assisted with Laparoscopy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
In a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Laparoscopic Assisted Supracervical Hysterectomy
What is a laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy?
A laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through four tiny abdominal incisions less than one quarter to one half an inch in length usually leaving the cervix in place. Removal of the tubes and ovaries can also be done if desired. Hysterectomy can be subdivided into a total hysterectomy, which includes removal of the uterus and cervix, or sub-total hysterectomy, removal of only the upper part of the uterus and leaving the cervix in place (as in supracervical). The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. In a laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Exploratory Procedures
Hysteroscopy
What is a Hysteroscopy ?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a hysteroscope to look at the inside of your uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin tube with a tiny camera. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
Hysteroscopy with Lysis of Adhesions
What is a hysteroscopy with lysis of adhesions?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a hysteroscope to look at the inside of your uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin tube with a tiny camera. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. Your provider can guide a tool into the uterus to remove adhesions (bands of scar tissue) from the uterus.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
What is a diagnostic laparoscopy?
A diagnostic laparoscopy is a procedure in which your health care provider uses a laparoscope to look at the organs and tissues inside your abdomen. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Exploratory Laparotomy
What is Exploratory Laparotomy?
A laparotomy is a surgery of the abdomen, which requires a standard surgical incision.
Cystoscopy
What is a cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inside of the bladder and the urethra using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope.
The cystoscope is inserted into your vagina and slowly advanced into the bladder.
Cystoscopy allows your doctor to look at areas of your bladder and urethra that usually do not show up well on X-rays. Tiny surgical instruments can be inserted through the cystoscope that allow your doctor to remove samples of tissue or samples of urine from each kidney.
Small bladder stones and some small growths can be removed during cystoscopy. This may eliminate the need for more extensive surgery.