Surgical Procedures

ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY is when uterus is removed through the abdomen via a surgical incision about six to eight inches long. This procedure is most commonly used when the ovaries and fallopian tubes are being removed, when the uterus is enlarged, or when disease has spread to the pelvic cavity, as in endometriosis or cancer. The main surgical incision can be made either vertically, from the navel down to the pubic bone, or horizontally, along the top of the pubic hairline.

ANTERIOR REPAIR is used when the bladder drops and presses against the front of the vagina. This surgical procedure repairs the weakened layers between the bladder and vagina after the bladder drops out of its normal position. This condition is known as anterior wall prolapse, cystocele or dropped bladder.

DIAGNOSTIC LAPAROSCOPY, Laparoscopy is a procedure used to check the organs in the belly (abdomen). It can also check a woman’s pelvic organs. Laparoscopy uses a thin lighted tube that has a video camera. The tube is called a laparoscope. It is put into a tiny cut or incision in your belly. The video camera images can be seen on a computer screen. This can be used to check for ovarian cysts, fibroids, and diagnosis pelvic or fallopian tube pain. Laparoscopy may be used to take a small tissue sample for testing (a biopsy).

DILATION & CURETTAGE, also called a D&C, is a surgical procedure in which the cervix (lower, narrow part of the uterus) is dilated (expanded) so that the uterine lining (endometrium) can be scraped with a curette (spoon-shaped instrument) to remove abnormal tissues. A D&C may be performed to determine the cause of abnormal or excessive uterine bleeding, to detect cancer, or as part of infertility (inability to become pregnant) investigation. This is done as an outpatient procedure at the hospital.

ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION is a procedure to remove a thin layer of tissue (endometrium) that lines the uterus. It is done to stop or reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.

POSTERIOR REPAIR is a procedure used to correct when the rectum drops and pushes into the back of the vagina. This procedure is necessary when there is a weakness in the strong tissue layer, fascia, and the lower part of the bowel, rectum. This condition is known as posterior wall prolapse or rectocele.

ROBOTIC ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPY HYSTERECTOMY is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. This surgery can be done through small incisions using a thin, lighted scope with a camera on the end (a laparoscope). This is called a laparoscopic hysterectomy. In robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon uses a computer to control the surgical instruments. This lets him or her get into tiny spaces more easily and have a better view of the operation. Common reasons for a hysterectomy include non-cancerous and cancerous fibroid tumor, uterine prolapse, endometriosis, long term uterine bleeding, and chronic pelvic pain.

TUBAL LIGATION is surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy. It has commonly been called “getting your tubes tied.” It is also called a female sterilization. Tubal refers to the fallopian tubes. Each month, an egg is released from an ovary and travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Ligation means to tie off. This prevents the egg and male sperm from connecting to prevent pregnancy. During this surgery, both fallopian tubes are blocked or cut.

VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY is when the uterus is removed through the vaginal opening. This procedure is most often used in cases of uterine prolapse, or when vaginal repairs are necessary for related conditions. No external incision is made, which means there is no visible scarring.