Gynecological Procedures That We Perform
Women’s health is a very specialized area of practice, requiring a vast knowledge of the treatment options. Jill Gibson, MD is an experienced gynecologist serving patients throughout the Hammond, LA area. She possesses up-to-date training on the latest procedures. As an aid to potential patients, we have provided some information on some common surgeries.
Bone Mineral Densitometry
This procedure is designed to determine the risk of osteoporosis. It simply tests how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of your bone, and it also assesses a patient’s risk of fracture.
Cervical Biopsy
A cervical biopsy is the removal of tissue from the cervix. Most commonly, it is performed after abnormal tissue is found during a pap smear, and is a simple test for cancer.
Cryosurgery of Cervix
Cryosurgery is a method of freezing abnormal tissue in order to destroy it. It’s a uncomplicated procedure that requires no anesthesia, and while it may cause some discomfort, complications are rather rare.
Endometrial Ablation
This is a surgery performed by laser, electricity, heat, freezing, or microwave in order to destroy damaged uterine tissue. It’s most commonly a treatment for heavy bleeding in patients who no longer desire fertility.
Endometrial Biopsy
For this fairly standard biopsy, a sample of uterine tissue is removed to check for abnormal cell growth.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the most common surgery not related to pregnancy that is performed on women in the United States. It consists of the removal of the uterus and possibly the ovaries via an abdominal incision, the vaginal opening, or a laparoscope (a thin tube containing a camera). Though it is very invasive, hysterectomy is widely accepted as a valid treatment for uterine cancer and a variety of other conditions that cause disabling symptoms. After the surgery, the patient will no longer have her period, nor will she be able to become pregnant.
Hysterosalpingogram
A hysterosalpingogram uses an X-ray in order to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes for causes of infertility.
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
This is a variety of hysterectomy that is performed by passing a tube through several incisions to remove the uterus vaginally.
Laparoscopy
Using the same kind of tube as used in the above treatment, this procedure is performed to check for pelvic problems.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
A LEEP uses a low-voltage electrified wire to cut out a cervical biopsy sample. It’s commonly used to check for abnormal cell growth.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy is a surgery to remove fibroids (non-cancerous growths) from the uterus.
Ovarian Cystectomy
Actually refers to two methods for removing cysts from the ovaries: laparoscopy, which uses the aforementioned tube, or a laparotomy, an incision into the abdomen used to remove larger cysts.
Uterine and Vaginal Prolapse
These conditions, among other uterine issues, are very common conditions for women, caused by trauma to the pelvic connective tissues and muscles, often related to childbirth. Uterine prolapse is when the uterus drops into the vagina. This condition may occur at various levels of severity. A mild prolapse often does not require any treatment, whereas a more severe case may create a sensation of unnecessary pressure on the vagina, making treatment a desirable option. Vaginal prolapse generally occurs after hysterectomy and involves the top part of the vagina dropping into itself. Various treatment options are available, and surgery is generally not required. Patients may elect surgery, however, as a quicker treatment option than less invasive procedures.
These are just a few of the procedures commonly performed by gynecologists. If you’d like to discuss any of these treatments in more detail with a gynecologist, call the office of Jill Gibson, MD for a consultation. We are happy to speak with women from Mandeville, St. Tammany Parish, Hammond, and Franklinton in our Covington, LA office.