SURGICAL PROCEDURES

This procedure is offered for patients for treatment of abnormal pap smear results. This entails removing approximately 1cm from the cervix.

Hysteroscopy is a procedure where a camera is introduced via the vagina and the inside of the uterus/womb is inspected for abnormalities such as polyps/ fibroids or abnormal growths.

Keyhole surgery is done – the tubes are tied with Filsche clips.

This procedure involves the destruction of the inner layer of the uterus – the endometrium – with the use of the Novasure device. This is an excellent non-invasive alternative to hysterectomy to treat excessive bleeding.

Ovarian cysts commonly occur and will be mostly followed up over a period of time. Laparoscopic removal (keyhole surgery) is offered to remove ovarian cysts if they persist, enlarge or have an abnormal appearance.

I have a specific interest in genetic cancers and offer prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy for patients with genetic cancer risk eg BRCA 1 and 2.

Laparoscopic treatment for level I and II endometriosis are offered for patients with symptoms and signs of endometriosis. Level III and IV endometriosis are referred to by my colleagues who are subspecialists in infertility.

In selected patients a TVT-O will be offered if there is leakage of urine on exertion eg with sneezing, coughing or laughing. This is a vaginal procedure where a ‘hammock” sling is placed to support the bladder neck.

Prolaps can take on different forms and implies sagging of the vaginal tissue. This can either be the bladder that has dropped or the uterus that is prolapsing or the vagina over the rectum that is protruding through the vaginal opening. In the case of a previous hysterectomy, it can be the top of the vagina that is descending.

The different procedures that are offered include: (some of these procedures might be combined)

This is lifting the tissue under the bladder into its normal position.

Repairing the defect in the vaginal wall overlying the rectum.

The top of the vagina is sutured to a ligament at the top of the vagina (the sacrospinous ligament) to put the tissues in its place.

The top of the vagina is suspended onto the sacrum with a piece of mesh. This can be done with laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) or open surgery.

This is a procedure where the vaginal opening is made slightly smaller to reduce the feeling of something falling out. This is often combined with the anterior and posterior repair.