Surgical Services

Laparoscopy is a way of doing surgery using small incisions (cuts). It is different from “open” surgery where the incision on the skin can be several inches long. Laparoscopic surgery sometimes is called “minimally invasive surgery.”

Hysteroscopy is used to diagnose or treat problems of the uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin, lighted telescope-like device. It is inserted through your vagina into your uterus. The hysteroscope transmits the image of your uterus onto a screen. Other instruments are used along with the hysteroscope for treatment.

One of the most common uses for hysteroscopy is to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. Abnormal bleeding can mean that a woman’s menstrual periods are heavier or longer than usual or occur less or more frequently than normal. Bleeding between menstrual periods also is abnormal. In some cases, abnormal bleeding may be caused by benign (not cancer) growths in the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps.

Hysteroscopy also is used in the following situations:

• Remove adhesions that may occur because of infection or from past surgery
• Diagnose the cause of repeated miscarriage when a woman has more than two miscarriages in a row
• Locate an intrauterine device (IUD)

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is opened (dilated) and a thin instrument is inserted into the uterus. This instrument is used to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus (curettage).

Endometrial ablation destroys a thin layer of the lining of the uterus. Menstrual bleeding does not stop but is reduced to normal or lighter levels. If ablation does not control heavy bleeding, further treatment or surgery may be needed.

Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. It is a very common type of surgery for women in the United States. Removing your uterus means that you can no longer get pregnant.

There are different types of hysterectomy:

• Total hysterectomy—The uterus and cervix are removed.
• Supracervical hysterectomy—The upper part of the uterus is removed, but the cervix is left in place.
• Radical hysterectomy—The uterus and cervix are removed along with structures around the uterus. This surgery may be recommended if cancer is diagnosed or suspected.

You can expect to have some pain for the first few days after the surgery. You will be given medication to relieve pain. You will have bleeding and discharge from your vagina for several weeks. Sanitary pads can be used after the surgery.

Constipation is common after most hysterectomies. Some women have temporary problems with emptying the bladder after a hysterectomy. Other effects may be emotional. It is not uncommon to have an emotional response to hysterectomy.

You may feel sad that you are no longer able to bear children, or you may be relieved that your former symptoms are gone.