What kinds of surgery does a gynecologist perform?
The gynecologists at Red Rock OB/GYN perform a range of different surgeries, from minimally invasive investigative procedures to major surgery. You gynecologist always discusses your treatment options with you so you know what to expect and, where possible, advises the least invasive treatment methods before considering surgical intervention.
What are minimally invasive gynecological surgeries?
Minimally invasive gynecological surgery aims to eliminate extensive surgical incisions in patients who need an operation. Most minimally invasive gynecological surgeries involve the use of a laparoscope, which is a flexible tube your surgeon passes through small incisions or natural openings, such as your vagina.
The laparoscope has a miniaturized camera at the end that sends images back to a screen so your OB/GYN sees your internal organs in detail. She uses the images to perform precision surgery with instruments passed through the laparoscope. Minimally invasive procedures an OB/GYN performs include:
- Colposcopy
- Dilation and curettage (D&C)
- Endometrial ablation
- Hysteroscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
Developments in endoscopic technology enable surgeons to perform more procedures using minimally invasive techniques. Your surgeon at Red Rock OB/GYN uses the most technologically advanced methods to perform your surgery.
What conditions are treated using minimally invasive surgery?
Your OB/GYN treats many gynecological conditions using minimally invasive techniques, including:
- Endometriosis
- Gynecologic cancer
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
- Menorrhagia (painful periods)
- Metrorrhagia (irregular periods)
- Oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries)
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic pain
- Polyps
- Uterine fibroids
Surgeons also perform vaginal reconstruction procedures using minimally invasive techniques.
When would I need major gynecological surgery?
Although your OB/GYN uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, in some cases open surgery is the best option. Possible reasons for having major surgery include:
- Abdominal myomectomy (removal of large fibroids)
- Endometrial cancer
- Cystectomy (removal of ovarian cysts)
- Exploratory laparotomy
- Certain hysterectomies
- Salpingectomy (removal of fallopian tubes)
Your OB/GYN may recommend open surgery when there isn’t sufficient space to operate using a laparoscope or if there are concerns about the possibility of malignancy.
If your surgeon needs to perform surgery to help resolve your gynecological problems, you can be sure you’re in safe hands at Red Rock OB/GYN. Call the clinic today to make an appointment or use the online booking tool.
