Gynecologic surgery refers to any type of surgical procedure that involves the organs and the structure of the female pelvic area. Those include the uterus, cervix, ovaries, vagina, vulva, and fallopian tubes. 

Women get gynecology procedures done for many reasons, such as ovarian cysts, chronic pain in the pelvis, endometriosis, fibroids, uterine prolapse, abnormal bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, or cancer. Fortunately, most surgeries for women treat those issues effectively and with minimal risks. If you have a problem with your reproductive health and need a solution, our experienced gynecologist in Sarasota, Florida, would be delighted to help you resolve it. Our caring team of experts at University Park OBGYN will gladly schedule an appointment for you.

In-office Gynecology Procedures

Examination of Pregnant Woman at Hospital

Many patients get these types of gynecological surgery done as they save time by not going to a hospital, are more convenient, and are less invasive. Look at the list below to find out more about different types of in-office procedures and surgeries for women:

  • Colposcopy – During this procedure, your gynecologist will closely examine your cervix, vulva, and vagina to see if there are any signs of disease using a magnifying instrument called a colposcope. They usually recommend a colposcopy if a person has an abnormal pap smear. If an area seems unusual, they will take a sample and send it to a lab for more tests. 
  • Cystoscopy – This one lets your doctor view your urinary tract, which includes the urethra, the bladder, and openings to the uterus. It is usually done to look for signs of infection, cancer, structural issues, narrowing, blockage or bleeding. They may also take a piece of tissue and send it to a lab for a biopsy. During cystoscopy, a long, narrow, elastic tube is inserted into the urethra and pushed toward the bladder. You will probably receive an anesthetic to avoid any possible pain. 
  • Endometrial ablation – This gynecology procedure surgically removes the lining of the uterus (endometrium). The main goal of this gynecologic surgery is to reduce menstrual flow. It is minimally invasive, and no incisions are made; your doctor inserts a thin tool through the passageway between your cervix and vagina. Depending on the method, they may use extreme cold, heated fluids, high-energy frequencies, or microwave energy. 
  • Hysteroscopy – If you need to have this procedure done, you may expect your gynecologist to look inside your uterus to address the leading cause of bleeding or cramping. It’s carried out with a hysteroscope, which is a small telescope with a light and a camera at the end. Images are displayed on a monitor so your doctor can notice any changes inside your womb. It is not invasive and can also be used to look for fibroids, polyps, adhesions, displaced IUDs, etc.
  • Intrauterine device (IUD) – Many women opt for this type of birth control since they find other methods unreliable or complicated. It is extremely effective at preventing pregnancy, and most women with a womb can use it. To put the IUD in, your doctor uses a speculum to separate the walls of the vagina and then inserts an IUD through the cervix. It usually lasts 5 minutes and can be done at any point in your menstrual cycle. 

Hospital Procedures

Patient Woman Getting a Consultation on the Results of the Analyzes From Her Gynecologist.

There are also types of gynecological surgery that must be done in a surgical center or hospital. Almost all of these are usually performed under general anesthesia. Examples include:

  • Dilation and curettage – Material from the uterus is removed in this procedure to clear the uterine lining after an abortion or a miscarriage. It can also be done to help with abnormal uterine bleeding or to remove polyps. Your gynecologist will use a sharp curette (a tool used for scraping) or a suction device to perform a curettage.
  • Hysterectomy – A gynecologic surgery in which the uterus is removed is called a hysterectomy. After the womb is terminated, you will no longer have periods, regardless of your age. Sometimes, it includes the removal of the ovaries, cervix, and Fallopian tubes as well. It is more common for women between 40 and 50 to get this procedure done. A general anesthetic is used to avoid any pain or discomfort. 
  • DaVinci hysterectomy – This is the same type of surgery but less invasive; your doctor will use a precise, robotic-assisted machine to make a few small incisions to remove your uterus or cervix, or both at the same time. The console of the device allows your surgeon to see any area magnified.
  • Laparoscopy – A procedure also known as keyhole surgery, it is minimally invasive and lets your doctor access the inside of your pelvis and stomach and make incisions in the skin. They make these minor cuts thanks to the instrument called the laparoscope. This tool has a small camera and emits light inside your intestines so your gynecologist can take a closer look.
  • Pelvic floor repair – This is the most common type of gynecology surgery for prolapse, which is a general term for defining surgical restorations of the pelvis. This procedure is usually needed when muscles in that region are weakened, which usually results in urinary leakage, difficulties during intercourse, or constipation. Fortunately, there is no need for any large incisions, and in some cases, surgical mesh is used to support weakened walls of the vagina. 
  • Ovarian cystectomy – It is done to remove ovarian cysts. In most cases, these go away on their own, but if you need to have some removed, your gynecologist might recommend getting them terminated surgically. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that might cause cramping or discomfort. You will be asleep during ovarian cystectomy. A surgeon will make a cut in your lower abdomen and insert a laparoscope to remove the cyst. If laparoscopic cystectomy is not possible, then they will perform surgery, which usually involves a more extensive incision. 
  • Cesarean section – Nowadays, many women opt for C-sections as it is believed to be a safer option for both the mother and the baby. In this procedure, a surgeon makes a cut in the woman’s abdomen above the pubic bone. Sometimes, women can’t deliver a baby naturally or have problems during labor. Therefore, it is best to consult your healthcare provider about whether this is the right choice. 

Summary

There are many types of gynecologic surgery, and it is understandable to be concerned about their risks. The main thing is to keep an eye on the symptoms you are experiencing and talk about them with your healthcare provider. At University Park OBGYN, our highly skilled gynecologists are dedicated to putting you at ease and answering any questions you might have. To learn more about surgeries for women, do not hesitate to contact us today.