Medical science is ever-advancing. Today we have a wide range of procedures and surgical interventions to help us stay healthy and free of disease. Gynaecological procedures and treatments too have advanced multi-fold in times today. Below are six common procedures and surgeries that you should know about.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It involves making small incisions in the abdomen through which a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and surgical instruments are inserted. This procedure is commonly used to diagnose and treat conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, and ectopic pregnancies. The minimally invasive nature of laparoscopy typically results in shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgery.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is used to examine the inside of the cervix and uterus. A thin, lighted tube called a hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity, allowing your obstretricianto diagnose and also treat various conditions such as abnormal bleeding, fibroids, polyps, and adhesions. Hysteroscopy can also be used to investigate the cause of infertility or recurrent miscarriages. The procedure typically results in minimal discomfort and a quick recovery time.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
D&C is a procedure used to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus. During a D&C, the cervix is dilated, and a surgical instrument called a curette is used to scrape the uterine lining. This procedure is often performed to diagnose or treat conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, incomplete miscarriage, and to remove molar pregnancies or uterine polyps. It can also help diagnose uterine cancer or other abnormalities.
vNOTES
vNOTES (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) is an innovative, minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to access the abdominal cavity through the vaginal canal, eliminating the need for external incisions. All surgical procedures can be performed equally effectively using vNOTES. This approach reduces postoperative pain, lowers the risk of complications, and shortens recovery times compared to traditional laparoscopic or open surgeries. vNOTES is increasingly used for procedures like hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and salpingectomy, offering patients the benefits of no scarring and a much faster return to normal activities.
Oophorectomy
An oophorectomy involves the surgical removal of one or both ovaries. This procedure can be performed for several reasons, including ovarian cancer, benign ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or as a preventative measure for women at high risk of ovarian cancer (e.g., those with BRCA gene mutations). Oophorectomy can be performed via open surgery or laparoscopically, with the latter being less invasive and offering quicker recovery times.
Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation is a procedure designed to treat heavy menstrual bleeding by targeting the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Various methods, including heat, cold, microwave energy, or radiofrequency, can be used to perform the ablation. This minimally invasive procedure does not require any incisions. It is suggestive when menstrual bleeding is extreme and lasts for longer than 10 days at a time, or results in anaemia due to blood loss.
