Office Procedures
Pap Test The Pap test is the most important annual screening test to detect early evidence of cervical cancer and other infections and cervical abnormalities. Your family physician or your gynecologist can perform your Pap test screening.
Colposcopy is a diagnostic tool used for further evaluation of abnormal Pap tests. It allows the doctor to look 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. The colposcopy is an office procedure with results usually available within a week.
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut out abnormal tissue that is often detected during a colposcopy. LEEP can be performed in our office.
Hysteroscopy involves the insertion of a thin telescope through the cervix into the uterus. The physician can then detect fibroids or polyps that may be causing excessive bleeding. If the physician finds that the fibroids or polyps should be removed, he or she may elect to perform an operative hysteroscopy in an outpatient surgery center by attaching thin instruments to the telescope that can remove polyps or fibroids. This is often used as an alternative to a hysterectomy.
Another office procedure that may be utilized to treat heavy irregular periods is endometrial ablation. This procedure uses radio frequency energy to permanently remove the lining or endometrium of the uterus. This stops all menstrual flow in many women. Because the ovaries and uterus are not removed, a few women may still have regular periods.
Gynecologic Surgeries
When medication and non-invasive procedures are unable to relieve symptoms, surgery remains the accepted and most effective treatment for a range of gynecologic conditions. Our Gynecologists will review both non-invasive procedures and open surgery with you.
Traditional open gynecologic surgery, using a large incision for access to the uterus and surrounding anatomy, has for many years been the standard approach to many gynecologic procedures. Yet with open surgery can come significant pain, trauma, a long recovery process and threat to surrounding organs and nerves. For women facing gynecologic surgery, the period of pain, discomfort and extended time away from normal daily activities that usually follows traditional surgery can understandably cause significant anxiety.
Today, robotic surgery is often the least invasive and most effective treatment option. Some gynecologic procedures enable surgeons to access the target anatomy using a vaginal approach, which may not require an external incision. But for complex hysterectomies and other gynecologic procedures, robot-assisted surgery with the da Vinci® Surgical System may be the most effective, least invasive treatment option. Through tiny, 1-2 cm incisions, surgeons using the da VinciSystem can operate with greater precision and control, minimizing the pain and risk associated with large incisions while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and excellent clinical outcomes.
Birth Control Birth control, or contraception involves one or more actions, devices or medications that can reduce or prevent pregnancy. Today’s options vary with lifestyle preferences and needs. For women wishing to become pregnant in the future, there are many reversible options including oral contraceptive pills, vaginal rings, Depo-Provera, and subdermal hormonal implants. Women desiring to limit exposure to hormones may choose an intrauterine device.
The menstrual cycle is not the same for every woman. A normal menstrual period lasts from 2-7 days. A normal cycle can range from 21-35 days. Bleeding that is longer, heavier or more frequent than normal, occurs between periods, or an absence of periods is called abnormal uterine bleeding. There are various causes of abnormal bleeding, but the most common is hormone imbalance. It is still important to let your doctor know if you are experiencing abnormal bleeding.
For women who desire permanent sterilization, we offer laparoscopic tubal ligation as well as a newer innovative transcervical procedure, EssureTM, that can be performed in the office and requires minimal anesthesia and recovery for your convenience. Schedule a consultation so we can discuss which method is best for you.