Procedures and Surgery

Colposcopy is done when a Pap test shows changes that could lead to cancer. It provides more information about the abnormal cells. Colposcopy is a way of looking at the cervix through a special magnifying device called a colposcope. It shines a light onto the vagina and cervix. A colposcope can enlarge the normal view by 2-60 times. This allows the doctor to find problems that cannot be seen by the eye alone.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is performed to remove the abnormal cells (dysplasia) when they are found on the cervix. LEEP uses a thin wire loop with an electrical current to cut away a thin layer of the cervix surface. This allows new healthy cells to grow.

Urodynamics Testing assesses how the bladder and urethra are performing their job of storing and releasing urine. Urodynamic tests help your doctor see how well your bladder and sphincter muscles work and can help explain symptoms such as incontinence, frequent urination, sudden, strong urges to urinate, problems starting a urine stream, painful urination, problems emptying your bladder completely or recurrent urinary tract infections.

Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose some problems in the uterus. It is a thin, telescope-like device that is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. It is sometimes used with other instruments or techniques such as before a dilation and curettage (D&C) or with a laparoscopy. (Can sometimes be performed in the hospital)

Endometrial Ablation. The lining of the uterus - endometrium - is shed by bleeding each month during a woman's menstrual period. Sometimes the bleeding is too much or too long and treatment is needed. An endometrial ablation destroys the thin inner lining of the uterus to control or stop bleeding. It does not remove the uterus. Novasure is a common method used by our physicians for endometrial ablation. (Endometrial ablations can sometimes be performed in the hospital)

Female Sterilization. The Essure procedure is the first and only FDA approved female sterilization procedure to have zero pregnancies in the clinical trials. The Essure procedure is permanent and is NOT reversible. Therefore, you should be sure you do not want children in the future.


Procedures Performed as either an in-patient or out-patient in the hospital:

Laparoscopy uses a small telescope (laparoscope) inserted into the abdomen through a small incision (cut). It brings light into the abdomen so the doctor can see inside. A laparoscopy can be used to diagnose a problem or as an operation to treat a problem.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery uses a laparoscope (a small telescope with a light) inserted through a small incision(s) to operate in the pelvic area. A video camera magnifies the view of the belly and records the operation. Blood loss is minimal, anesthesia time is shorter, pain is less, hospital stay shorter and recovery time is quicker.

Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterine muscle without a hysterectomy.

Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus through an abdominal incision or the vagina. It may also include removal of the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C) may be done to assess conditions that could cause abnormal bleeding. It provides a sample of the tissue in the uterus. This sample is viewed under a microscope to tell whether cells are abnormal. Some polyps can be removed during a D&C (not fibroids) and tissue remaining in the uterus after a miscarriage.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is done to check for blockage or growths inside the uterus and tubes. This may help your doctor find the cause of infertility or repeated pregnancy loss. It is also done to detect growths or scarring in the uterus.