Memorial Medical Center uses advanced technology and a highly skilled staff to perform several gynecological surgeries including:
Endometrial ablation is an outpatient surgery that can reduce or stop heavy uterine bleeding. Treatment takes less than an hour, and you can go home later that day.
Preparing for Surgery
You may be given medication by mouth or injection for a few weeks or months before your ablation. This thins the lining and reduces bleeding.
The day before surgery, a special substance (laminaria) may be put into your cervix (the opening to the uterus). This widens the opening.
To help prevent problems with anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything 10 hours before surgery.
Your Surgery
You’ll be given anesthesia so you stay comfortable and relaxed and feel no pain during surgery.
Then, your uterus may be filled with fluid. This puts pressure on the lining to help reduce bleeding. It also allows your doctor to see inside your uterus.
Next your doctor puts a small telescope-like instrument through the cervix. This scope may be connected to a video monitor. This helps your doctor see and control the ablation process. At the end of the scope, a device using heat or electric current destroys the uterine lining. Instead of the scope, your doctor may use a device that both explands and ablates the uterine lining. After being inserted into your uterus, it also used heat or other energy to remove the lining. Your doctor will choose the device that’s best for you.
Your Recovery
You may have cramping or aching in your abdomen after surgery. Your doctor can give you pain medication.
You may also have a bloody or watery discharge or bleeding for days or weeks. Use sanitary pads, not tampons.
Don’t have sexual intercourse or play active sports for 2 weeks after surgery.
You can likely return to work in 2 days.
Your doctor will see you in about 6 weeks to be sure you’re healing well.
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Transvaginal Tape is a minimally invasive procedure for women who suffer from stress urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, walking, sitting, or standing). In Transvaginal Tape, the urinary bladder and urethra are repaired, strengthened and returned to it's original position in the pelvis. If you are a woman suffering from Stress Urinary Incontinence (due to any of the above reasons) and do not plan on getting pregnant any more, then you are an ideal candidate for Transvaginal Tape surgery.
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress Urinary Incontinence or Stress Incontinence is a problem of the urinary bladder where the urethral sphincter weakens and as a result, cannot prevent the flow of urine through it when the intra-abdominal pressure rises such as in coughing, sneezing, lifting something heavy or even standing or walking. There are several causes of urethral sphincter weakness, most common being advancing age, multiple un-assisted child births, smoking, obesity and chronic coughing such as chronic bronchitis and asthma. Stress Urinary Incontinence is usually associated with Cystocele where the urinary bladder sags into or even outside the vagina
Preparing for the Procedure
Transvaginal Tape is performed on an out-patient basis therefore, prior hospitalization is not necessary. Ask your doctor about any special instructions to prepare for Transvaginal Tape. Since all medical procedure have a small risk of injury, e.g. injury to ureter or rectum, you will need to sign a consent form before the test. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor about any concerns you might have. You may be asked to give a urine sample before the test to check for infection. Inform your physician about your other health conditions and medications (including all the prescription, non-prescription medications, nutritional supplements i.e. vitamins, minerals and herbal products). Refrain from taking aspirin or Ibuprofen at least 2 weeks before the Transvaginal Tape. Stop smoking a few weeks before the operation to prevent healing problems during recovery period. Do not eat or drink anything for at least 10 hours before the the Transvaginal Tape procedure. You will wear a hospital gown for the examination, and the lower part of your body will be covered with a sterile drape. In most cases, you will lie on your back with your knees raised and apart. The procedure will be performed under general anesthesia and you will be hospitalized for 3 - 4 days (for transabdominal approach) or 1 - 2 days (for transvaginal approach) for Transvaginal Tape. A nurse or technician will clean the area around your urethral and vaginal opening and apply a local anesthetic.
During the Procedure
Transvaginal Tape is a minimally invasive procedure to treat Stress Urinary Incontinence in women. Transvaginal Tape procedure may take about 30 - 40 minutes and is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation. A mesh tape is inserted through a small incision in the vagina and is positioned underneath the urethra. The Transvaginal Tape is then pulled up through two tiny incisions in the skin's surface just above the pubic area. As it passes through several pelvic tissue layers, the friction of underlying tissues holds the tape in place like velcro. Over time your body tissues will grow into the mesh and will permanently secure it. The surgeon will ask you to cough so that any necessary adjustments can be made right then and there. At the end of the procedure the Transvaginal Tape will be trimmed just under the skin's surface and the tiny incisions will be closed.
After the Procedure
After the Transvaginal Tape surgery, you will spend the next couple of hours under observation for any immediate post-operative complications like bleeding or urinary retention. You will be able to go home the same evening or the next day following Transvaginal Tape surgery. You will be able to return back to your daily activities within 2 - 5 days and recover completely within a 2 - 3 week period. During this time there should be very little interference with daily activities, although you will have to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and sexual intercourse for four to six weeks. You will recover completely within 2 - 3 weeks. During this time, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and sexual intercourse for 4 - 6 weeks.
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In most cases, a hysterectomy takes 1 to 3 hours. Knowing what to expect before and after surgery can help reduce any fears you may have. It also helps you prepare. Be sure to follow any instructions your doctor gives you.
Before the Day of Surgery
A few weeks before surgery, you may be asked to:
As the day of surgery grows closer, you may be asked to:
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Have blood, urine, and other tests.
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Stop taking certain medications.
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Sign a consent form for the surgery.
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Stop eating and drinking after the midnight before surgery
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| Walking soon after surgery helps you recover faster. |
At the Hospital
An intravenous (IV) line may be used to provide fluids and medications, such as antibiotics. During the hysterectomy, you will receive anesthesia to keep you pain-free.
After surgery, you’ll spend a few hours in the recovery room. Then you’ll be moved to a hospital room, where you will build up your strength. The length of your stay depends on the type of surgery you had.
You may spend up to a few days in the hospital. While there, ask your doctor or nurse any questions you may have. For the first days after surgery, here is what you can expect:
The abdominal incision may be closed with stitches or staples. It is covered with gauze. Any staples may be removed during your hospital stay or at a follow-up visit.
Pain can be relieved with medication prescribed by your doctor.
Urination may be aided by a tube (catheter). It is put in your bladder during surgery. In most cases, it is taken out a day or two after surgery.
Vaginal bleeding is likely. You will need to use sanitary pads.
Meals may be limited to liquids until your bowels are back to normal.
Your lungs need to be kept clear of excess fluid. This prevents problems such as pneumonia. You will be shown how to clear your lungs.
Recovery at Home
Healing takes time. How much time depends on your health and the type of surgery you had. Expect it to be 3 to 8 weeks before you feel really well. During that time, you can do a lot to make sure that you regain your health and energy.
Take Care of Yourself
These tips can help you heal:
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Take showers instead of baths.
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Use pads to absorb bleeding or discharge. Light bleeding is likely at first. Brownish discharge may last up to 6 weeks.
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Do not use tampons or douches. They can cause the vagina to become infected.
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Do not have sex for as long as your doctor suggests (most likely 6 to 8 weeks).
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To avoid constipation, eat fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods. Drink at least 8 glasses of fluid each day.
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Tell your doctor if you feel down or have mood swings. You may be adjusting to the changes in your body. You may also have mood swings if your ovaries were removed and you hadn’t yet reached menopause. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help.
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Avoid tasks or movements that can strain your incision, such as lifting or bending.
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Ask your doctor when you can drive. The type of work or exercise that you do affects how soon you can return to those activities.
A cesarean birth is the surgical delivery of a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen. Cesarean births may be planned and scheduled. But, in many cases, a cesarean is unexpected. In any case, a cesarean is done to ensure the safest birth for both you and your baby.
Preparing for the Birth
The preparation for the birth is nearly the same whether scheduled or unscheduled. Surgery will begin shortly after you receive anesthesia. You will receive either regional or general anesthesia. Most cesareans are completed in less than an hour. During the birth, your healthcare team is with you, ready to take care of you and your newborn. Your partner may also be with you for the birth.
Making the Incisions
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Transverse uterine incision or vertical uterine incision.
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Transverse skin incision or vertical skin incision.
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In a cesarean birth, incisions are made in both the skin and the uterus. Either incision may be
transverse (from side to side) or
vertical. Your skin and uterine incisions may differ. Be sure they are noted in your health records.
The skin incision is usually transverse (side to side). It is located at the pubic hairline. A vertical incision may be used if you’ve had this incision before or if the cesarean needs to be done quickly.
The uterine incision is almost always transverse. A transverse incision heals very well. This may allow for a future vaginal birth (VBAC). In certain cases, a vertical uterine incision may be made.
Your Baby’s Birth
Once the incisions are made, the doctor presses on the top of the uterus and guides the baby through the incision. The cord will be clamped and cut. Then the placenta is lifted out through the incision.
Taking Care of You
After your baby’s birth, the uterine incision is closed with stitches. Then, your skin incision will be closed with surgical staples or stitches and a dressing will be applied. Your doctor will press on your uterus. This helps expel blood clots through the vagina. You may be given medications to help shrink your uterus and decrease bleeding. You may also receive antibiotics to reduce any risk of infection.
Taking Care of Your Baby
While your surgery is completed, your baby will be placed in an infant warmer. Gentle suction will be used to help remove excess fluid from the baby’s mouth and airways. Then the APGAR score will be done. This rates baby’s appearance (color), pulse (heart rate), grimace (muscle reflex), activity, and respiration. Your baby will be wrapped in a blanket and brought to you. Now, for the first time, you’ll see your newborn.
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Many reproductive organ surgeries are done using laparoscopy. Most often, the goal of surgery is to detect and sometimes treat a problem. The following are common reasons for doing laparoscopy.
For Endometriosis
Laparoscopy can help detect and treat endometriosis. Treatment can help relieve pain or stop heavy menstrual bleeding. In some cases, fertility can be restored. Your doctor may destroy or remove some or all of the abnormal tissue.
For Adhesions
During laparoscopy, adhesions may be found and removed. Removing them may relieve your pain. Your doctor cuts the adhesions and frees structures that had been bound by the scar tissue. In some cases, fertility can be restored.
Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
If you are having your uterus removed, this can be done with laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectoymy. Using special surgical tools, your doctor detaches the uterus from its supporting structures. It is then removed through the vagina.
For Ovarian Cysts or Tumors
An ovarian cyst or tumor found during laparoscopy may or may not be treated during the procedure. This depends on many factors, such as the type and size of growth found, your age, and whether you still plan to have children. If you have a cyst, your doctor may drain it with a small needle.
For Fibroids
Fibroids can grow inside the uterine space or within the uterine walls. They can also be found attached to the outside of the uterus. Removing fibroids can help relieve severe cramping or heavy menstrual bleeding.
For Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy may be found during laparoscopy. If this occurs, the fetal tissue lodged in the fallopian tube can be removed. To do this, your doctor clears the tube and controls any bleeding. Sometimes, all or part of the affected fallopian tube may be removed.
For Infertility
Using laparoscopy, your doctor may find out why you are infertile. Some common causes are blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and adhesions. Treating the problems may restore your fertility. The doctor may repair a blocked fallopian tube with microsurgery (where tiny surgical tools are used to gently handle tissue).
Tubal Ligation
To prevent pregnancy, a tubal ligation can be done through the laparoscope. Your doctor seals off each fallopian tube. A ring, an elastic band, or a clip may be used. Or, the tubes can be burned with electrical energy. These techniques keep the sperm from fertilizing the egg.
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