5 Common Gynecology Surgeries and Procedures
Throughout your life, you may need gynecological surgery for a variety of reasons. The gynecologists at NJ Best OB/GYN offer 5 Common Gynecology Surgeries and Procedures that can help restore or improve your physical and reproductive health.
Most of these procedures are minimally invasive, so recovery time and care are often very minimal. However, it is always important to discuss with your doctor the specifics of the surgery and its after-care.
1. Colposcopy
A colposcopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to check for abnormal cells in your cervix (lower part of your womb) and vaginal walls. This can include cancer and precancerous cells, known as cervical dysplasia.
A small sample of tissue may be taken during a colposcopy to test for these cells in the lab. It can take up to 2 weeks for your biopsy results to come back.
Your doctor will swab your cervix and vagina with a solution of vinegar or iodine to make it easier to see abnormal tissue. If abnormal areas are found, your provider may take a sample of tissue for testing with a microscope.
Your provider will ask you not to have sex or use douches, creams, powders, or tampons 24 hours before your exam. You should also empty your bladder and bowels before the exam.
2. Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation can help treat heavy periods that are caused by fibroids in the lining of the uterus. It can also be used to treat fibroids that are inside the uterus (intra-uterine myomas).
There are many different ways that endometrial ablation is performed. The methods can vary based on the size and condition of your uterus and your health.
Your doctor may numb the pelvic area before performing an endometrial ablation procedure. He or she may also give you pain medicine before the surgery to reduce any discomfort.
The procedure is usually done in a doctor’s office or care center or as part of a hospital stay. You may be given sedation or general anesthesia, which will make you sleep through the procedure.
3. Cervical Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is a procedure that freezes and destroys abnormal cells in your cervix. It is used to treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and other gynecological conditions.
To perform this procedure, your doctor inserts a device called a cryoprobe into the vagina until it firmly covers the abnormal areas of the cervix. Then, liquid nitrogen gas at a temperature of about -50 degrees Celsius flows through the probe.
After three minutes, the cervix tissue in contact with the metal probe begins to cool. This causes the metal to become frozen and destroys the superficial abnormal cells.
The area will feel cold and you may experience some mild cramping during this part of the procedure. You can usually return to your normal activities immediately after the treatment.
4. Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus (and may also include the cervix and ovaries). It’s usually recommended only if other treatment options haven’t worked.
Often, heavy menstrual bleeding can be a sign of endometriosis or uterine polyps. These are benign conditions, which don’t cause cancer, and can be treated with hormone therapy.
If a woman has endometrial hyperplasia, an overgrowth of the lining of the uterus, this can also be treated with hormone therapy or a simple outpatient procedure called dilation and curettage.
A hysterectomy is often needed when uterine prolapse occurs, which causes the uterus to slip out of place. This can cause urine leakage and pelvic pain.
5. Oophorectomy
An oophorectomy is the surgical removal of one or both of a woman’s ovaries. These almond-shaped glands produce a woman’s eggs and female hormones.
It can be done alone or with a hysterectomy and is used to treat conditions that affect the ovaries, such as endometriosis, ovarian cancer and a variety of other reproductive disorders.
The surgery is performed through an incision made in your abdomen. The surgeon separates the ovary from its blood supply and surrounding tissue, then removes it.
