Gynecologic Procedures

Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusion is the transfer of whole blood or a component–such as plasma, platelets, red blood cells, or clotting factors–from one person to another. Blood donation only takes about 15 minutes and can benefit victims of accidents, natural disasters, and serious illness.

Bone Mineral Densitometry

Bone mineral densitometry (BMD) determines the amount of bone and over time can track loss (and the risk of developing osteoporosis) by measuring radiation absorption by the skeleton.

Cervical Biopsy

A cervical biopsy is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate abnormal cervical tissue found during a Pap smear.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is used to evaluate blood in stool, abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, or abnormalities found during x-rays. It is also used to determine the type and extent of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it is used to screen for colon cancer.

Cryosurgery of Cervix

Cryosurgery is a freezing technique using nitrous oxide (liquid nitrogen) to destroy abnormal tissue. The procedure is usually performed in the office and requires no anesthesia.

Culdocentesis

Culdocentesis is a procedure used to determine if an ectopic pregnancy or ovarian cyst has ruptured. This test determines whether there is internal bleeding in the lower abdomen that is not visible vaginally.

Cystometric Study

A cystometric study evaluates bladder function and can confirm whether a bladder muscle or bladder nerve problem exists.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is designed to diagnose and evaluate urinary tract injuries, and to provide guidance before and during surgical procedures.

Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a procedure in which the uterine lining is destroyed either with a laser electrosurgery, or another method.

Endometrial Biopsy

Endometrial biopsy is a diagnostic test performed in a doctor’s office. The test is used to acquire a small tissue sample of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for further examination.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the most common non-pregnancy related major surgery performed on women in the United States. Approximately 600,000 women undergo this procedure every year. Hysterectomy refers to surgical removal of the uterus. Frequently, the ovaries are removed at the same time. Hysterectomy is widely accepted both by medical professionals and the public as appropriate treatment for uterine cancer and for various common non-cancerous uterine conditions that can produce disabling symptoms of pain, discomfort, uterine bleeding, emotional distress, and related complaints. Yet, while hysterectomy can alleviate uterine problems, less invasive treatments are available for some conditions.

Hysterosalpingogram

Hysterosalpingogram is an outpatient diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the endometrial cavity and fallopian tubes for causes of infertility, or to determine if there is a uterine abnormality.

Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy is an operation that is performed by passing several instruments through small incision sites in the abdomen in order to operate on the uterus, tubes, and ovaries.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a surgical instrument similar to a telescope is inserted through a small incision near the belly button into the abdominal cavity.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)

LEEP is an outpatient procedure using an instrument that sends a low-voltage electrical current to a fine metal loop. The metal loop cuts and cauterizes abnormal tissue, allowing for safe, relatively bloodless removal of a cone-shaped cervical biopsy.

Myomectomy

Myomectomy is the removal of fibroids (myomas) from the smooth muscle lining of the uterus.

Needle Suspension Procedures and Transvaginal Tape Procedures

Needle suspension procedures and transvaginal tape procedures are surgical procedures used to improve stress urinary incontinence.

Ovarian Cystectomy

Ovarian cystectomy includes two types of surgery: Laparoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to confirm diagnoses and remove benign ovarian cysts. Laparotomy or oophorectomy are open procedures used to remove larger cysts, multiple cysts, or cysts that have ruptured.

Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic test used to determine the cause of abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, new or persistent constipation, protracted diarrhea, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss. Sigmoidoscopy is also used as a screening tool for colon cancer, evidence of polyps, Crohn’s disease, and other problems.

Urinary Incontinence and Collagen Implants

Collagen implants are used to treat incontinence when leakage is caused by lack of control or poor control of urine flow from the bladder.

Uterine and Vaginal Prolapse

Each year many women endure pelvic organ support problems (pelvic organ prolapse). There are surgical and non-surgical treatment options. These disorders usually are the result of trauma to the pelvic connective tissue and muscles, and often are the result of childbirth. The surgical procedures to correct these defects are considered elective, since women are at no medical risk.

Uterine prolapse is when the uterus drops down into the vagina. The distance of the descent of the uterus may vary. Your physician will grade the degree of your prolapse, and treatment options will be dependent on the grade and your symptoms. Mild prolapse may need no treatment. More significant uterine prolapse may cause women to have pelvic pressure, or the sensation that something is “falling out of the vagina.”

Vaginal prolapse can occur after hysterectomy. This is when the highest point of the vagina loses its support and drops within itself. Women with this problem often notice a bulge in the vaginal area and may notice bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Uterosacral Nerve Ablation

Laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation is a procedure that uses denervation (destruction of the nerves) of the uterus to relieve pain.