Most women know the procedures that a gynaecologist performs in their offices. However, few patients know the full array of common surgical procedures performed by gynaecologists. Our top male gynaecologist in Durban, Dr Nitesh, shares information today on the various procedures available to you.
The Hysterectomy Procedure
A hysterectomy is a common procedure used for the removal of the uterus. You cannot fall pregnant after a hysterectomy. The different procedures used include the following:
- Total Laparoscopic
This procedure involves the complete removal of your uterus as well as the cervix via four tiny incisions in your abdomen. In some cases, it might be necessary for health reasons to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well.
- Laparoscopic Supracervical
The laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy also involves tiny incisions. Laparoscopic means keyhole surgery. The uterus is removed and your cervix is left intact. You will be advised whether it is beneficial to keep or remove your ovaries.
- Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
As another keyhole surgery, this removes the uterus and can also include the removal of your fallopian tubes and ovaries via your vagina. Your gynaecologist will advise on the best option for you.
Uterine Fibroid Removal
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are growths that appear in the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are not malignant, and the procedures used to remove them are:
- Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Keyhole surgery that removes fibroids from the muscular wall of the uterus. It is low-invasive and maintains your fertility.
- Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
This procedure involved the insertion of a thin lighted viewing instrument via your vagina and cervix into your uterus. Your gynaecologist is then able to see and remove the fibroids via the vagina. It is a good option for smaller fibroids.
Ovarian Cyst Removal
A cyst anywhere on the body is a fluid-filled or body-matter-filled sac (some contain skin cells). Ovarian cysts contain fluid and appear on your ovaries. The removal procedures are low-invasive:
- Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy
In this keyhole surgery, cysts are removed from the outside of the ovaries via the tiny incisions made on your abdomen. It is usually an outpatient procedure.
Adhesion Treatment
Adhesion is a medical term for the formation of scars inside your body. These are problematic scars, usually formed after an injury or a surgical procedure. They are removed via the following low-invasive procedure:
- Laparoscopic Lysis
This keyhole surgery solves painful scarring on your abdomen or pelvis.
Diagnostic Hysteroscopy
Not all surgeries are a treatment. Some are preparation steps for treatment. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to assess any structural abnormalities in your uterus which might be causing abnormal bleeding. The layer of mucus membranes that line the uterus is sampled for analysis.
Uterine Polyps Treatment
Uterine polyps, or endometrial polyps, are overgrown uterus cells. They are usually non-malignant but can become cancerous, so it is best to remove them. They range in size from a few millimetres to the size of a golf ball.
- Hysteroscopic Polypectomy
Your gynaecologist accesses your uterus via your vagina to remove the uterine polyps. They will use an electrosurgical wire loop. The uterus remains intact. This treatment is an outpatient procedure.
Hysteroscopic Endometrial Ablation
In the case of abnormal bleeding, an endometrial ablation procedure is one of the solutions. It will destroy the endometrium (lining of the uterus). This treatment is an outpatient procedure.
Hysteroscopic Sterilization
These surgical procedures are methods of permanent birth control. Small fallopian tube implants cause a natural blockage to grow permanently. The blockages prevent your eggs from travelling through the fallopian tubes to reach sperm. There are no incisions.
We hope that these descriptions of the surgical procedures available to you from gynaecologists show you how many female health solutions are out there.
Be the best version of yourself and protect your health! Book an appointment with the top male gynaecologist in Durban today!