About Medical Gynaecology Surgery
There are a wide range of surgical procedures that are performed to diagnose and / or treat different gynaecological conditions.
Some common procedures include:
Bartholin’s Cyst removal, to remove cysts in the vulva.
Colposcopy, to examine the cervix.
Endometrial Ablation, to treat heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Uterine Fibroid removal when fibroids cause pain or abnormal bleeding.
Uterine Polyp removal, often used to treat fertility problems.
Hysterectomy, to remove the uterus or a part of it.
Diagnostic laparoscopy, used to diagnose and treat sources of pelvic and abdominal pain; and often used to in the diagnosis of endometriosis.
Myomectomy, a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids.
Ovarian Cyst removal, performed when cysts are painful or too large.
SOME FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the procedure for Medical Gynaecology surgery?
Each procedure is different, and some are less invasive than others.Many make use of laparascopic surgery which is less invasive since the incisions are much smaller. Your doctor will discuss the details of your procedure with you.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
There are a variety of procedures, and your doctor will tell you how to prepare for yours. Before certain surgical procedures you may be asked to stop smoking for 2 – 4 weeks prior to the procedure. Nicotine retards the healing process and quitting for as long as possible before surgery helps improve blood flow.
You may also have to have a blood test before surgery is performed, and you may need to stop taking certain medication, like aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs. Avoid recreational drugs and disclose to your surgeon any other medication you’re taking, since you may need to adjust these.
Be sure to arrange for transport, since you may not be able to drive yourself after certain procedures.
Where will my surgery be performed?
Some of the simpler procedures may be done in the doctor’s consulting room, while others may need to be performed in one of our fully equipped operating theatres.
What anaesthetic will be used for the procedure?
The procedures that require anaesthesia will be performed under local anaesthetic, intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia.
How do I recover from the surgery?
Your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you have had. There may be a dressing over the treated area and your surgeon will advise you on how to care for it while recovering. If you have stitches, your surgeon will tell you when they will need to be removed, if they are not dissolving stitches. If you experience some pain after certain procedures, over-the-counter or prescription medication will help.
What can I expect after the surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, as will your post-surgical care. Your doctor will make sure you know how to take care of yourself after the procedure and will tell you what your follow-up requirements and options are.
When can I resume normal activities?
This depends on the type of procedure you have had. With some less invasive procedures, you may be able to resume normal activities almost immediately, but with others, you may need to wait several weeks and may need to avoid any vigorous activity or exercise while healing.
What risks are involved in the procedure?
Risks and complications associated with gynecological surgery will depend on the type of procedure, but may include bleeding, infection as well as the general risks associated with anaesthesia. Uterine perforation which can cause bleeding. There is a risk of damage to a nearby organ, painful sexual intercourse, blood clots, abdominal pain or nausea and vomiting after surgery.