Gynecological Surgeries
Gynecological surgeries are surgeries of the female reproductive system.
What are gynecological surgeries?
Gynecological surgeries are surgeries of the female reproductive system. These procedures include invasive and minimally invasive surgeries for infertility, incontinence, cancer and benign conditions. It might also be performed for cosmetic reasons and can be elective. Two gynecological surgeries that Dr. Taaly Silberstein performs are endometrial biopsies and hysterectomies.
What is an endometrial biopsy?
Endometrial biopsies are performed to collect a small tissue sample from the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) for further examination. Dr. Silberstein may suggest an endometrial biopsy for the following reasons:
- If you experiencing abnormal/irregular menstrual bleeding
- If there is an absence of uterine bleeding
- If you experience bleeding after menopause
- To check the effects of menopausal hormone therapy
- To find abnormal cells or endometrial cancer
Dr. Silberstein may recommend an endometrial biopsy for another reason, but she will discuss it with you fully during your appointment. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns that you have with Dr. Silberstein. She can give you the information needed to prep for this procedure.
What will happen during an endometrial biopsy?
Similar to a pelvic exam, you will lie down with your legs and feet supported. A speculum is used to spread the walls of the vagina so that the cervix can be viewed. The cervix is then cleaned, numbed and held steady by an instrument similar to forceps.
Dr. Silberstein may then insert a uterine sound (a thin, rod-like instrument) through the cervical opening to determine the length of the uterus and the location for the biopsy. Once this has been done, the uterine sound is removed. Then a catheter with a smaller tube inside of it is inserted into the uterus, and the inner tube creates a suction effect. Dr. Silberstein will use this catheter to collect small samples of endometrial tissue. After the samples have been collected, the catheter and speculum are removed and the procedure is over. The samples are then sent off to a lab for review.
What is a hysterectomy?
One of the more common gynecological surgeries is a hysterectomy. Hysterectomies are surgical operations that are performed to remove part or all of the uterus. For some women, the cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed during the procedure. Dr. Silberstein may suggest a hysterectomy to treat or address:
- Uterine fibroids
- Uterine prolapse
- Endometriosis
- Gynecologic cancer
- Abnormal/irregular uterine bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
Most women wait to have their hysterectomy after they’ve made the decision to no longer have children. Following the procedure, you will no longer be able to become pregnant. If you choose an alternative option to address the issues above, you may need additional treatment later. We can discuss all of the available treatment options with you.
What will happen during a hysterectomy?
Gynecologic surgeries like hysterectomies vary from patient to patient. A total hysterectomy removes the entire uterus along with the cervix. Supracervical hysterectomies only remove the upper part of the uterus and the cervix is left in place. A radical hysterectomy is a similar to the total procedure, but structures around the uterus are also removed.
Additionally, there are multiple ways in which this procedure can be performed. Dr. Silberstein can perform vaginal, abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomies. The differences between these procedures involve how the uterus is removed. With vaginal, the uterus is removed from the vagina, and with abdominal, the uterus is removed from the abdomen. With the vaginal procedure there will be no incisions through the abdomen and patients typically experience fewer complications, shorter healing times and a faster recovery. Abdominal procedures are the opposite and are only performed if a vaginal hysterectomy is not an option. A laparoscopic hysterectomy relies on small incisions (half an inch in length) in the abdomen and the use of a laparoscope–a small, thin tool that has a small video camera and light at the end. The laparoscope is inserted into these small incisions in order for Dr. Silberstein to complete the surgery. This can be done to reduce the risks and pain involved with vaginal and abdominal surgeries, but it usually takes much longer to perform.
OB/GYN care in the greater Los Angeles area
Request an appointment with Dr. Silberstein to discuss gynecological surgeries and the options that will help you the most. To take the next step, give us a call at (818) 996-3200.
