Surgical Services - Continued

LEEP

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal cells found on the surface of the cervix. Removal of these cells can help reduce any potential risks of cervical cancer.

This procedure is performed by attaching wire loops to an electrosurgical generator in order to cut away the affected tissue, causing the cells to heat and burst. The removed tissue is then examined for any signs of cancer and to ensure that all abnormal cells were fully removed. The LEEP procedure is performed under local anesthetic and takes 20-30 minutes. Some patients may experience mild pain or discomfort, but other side effects are rare.

Endometrial Thermo-ablation

Women with endometriosis often suffer from excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding that can have a major effect on their quality of life. While there are many treatments available to relieve these symptoms, some women need more advanced treatment for their symptoms.

Thermo-ablation uses heat from radiofrequency, a balloon filled with heated saline solution, or normal saline to destroy the uterine lining (endometrium) and prevent symptoms from occurring. This outpatient procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes only a few days to recover from. Most women experience a reduced menstrual flow or even no more periods at all after this procedure.

Laser Laparoscopies

Laser laparoscopy is an effective, minimally invasive technique for diagnosing and treating a variety of gynecologic conditions. These procedures are at the forefront of advanced technology and allow patients to experience effective results from their complex conditions with minimal pain and downtime.

A laser laparoscopy procedure lets your doctor assess the pelvic anatomy through detailed images on a video monitor. Surgery can then be performed with lasers during the same procedure to correct any abnormalities that are found. Most laser laparoscopy procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, with patients able to return home with a few hours and return to work and other normal activities within 3 to 4 days.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy | Hammond A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and is one of the most commonly performed procedures for women in the US. This procedure is often used as a last resort when other treatments have failed, and can be effective in treating uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, abnormal bleeding, cancer and more. One in three women in the US has had a hysterectomy by the age of 60.

There are several different techniques used for a hysterectomy, depending upon which organs will be removed and the reason for the surgery.

Abdominal - Abdominal hysterectomies are most common and usually remove only the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix intact. The fallopian tubes and ovaries may or may not be removed as well.

Vaginal - Vaginal hysterectomies usually remove the entire uterus and the cervix through the vagina. This procedure typically involves fewer complications, a shorter recovery time and no visible scar. Complete hysterectomies involve the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries as well.

Laparoscopic - Laparoscopic hysterectomies may be performed vaginally or through tiny incisions in the abdomen, and involves the use of an endoscope, which lets the doctor see the target anatomy on a video monitor while performing the surgery.

Robotic (da Vinci) - A robotic hysterectomy is one of the most effective, least invasive treatment options for a range of uterine conditions. da Vinci Hysterectomy is performed using the da Vinci™ Surgical System, which enables surgeons to perform with unmatched precision and control - using only a few small incisions.

Page 1 | Page 2