GYNECOLOGY

A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus (also known as the womb). The uterus is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. During the surgery, the whole uterus is usually removed. Your doctor may also remove your fallopian tubes and ovaries. After a hysterectomy, you no longer have menstrual periods and cannot become pregnant.

The following operations are best performed through a laparoscope:

• Hysterectomies
• Removal of fibroids
• Ovarian cyst removal
• Vaginal repairs post delivery
• Removal of tubes or ovaries
• Pelvic floor repair for prolapse
• Appendix
• Hernia

Fibroids are growths that form in the uterus (womb). They are benign (not cancerous) and are made up of muscle fiber. Fibroids can be as small as a pea and can grow as large as a melon. Fibroids are most common in women in their 30s and 40s and tend to shrink after the menopause.

Pap smear is a diagnostic test of a sample of cells collected from the surface of a woman’s cervix (the lower, narrow end of a woman’s uterus) to check for inflammation, infection or abnormalities that may develop into cancer. A Colposcopy is a procedure in which a special magnifying device with a light called a colposcope is used to visually examine the vagina and cervix. This procedure is normally carried out after a smear result is found to be abnormal as it gives more information about abnormal cells that could lead to cancer. The procedure can be used to direct the location of where a tissue biopsy should be done and it can also be used to monitor treatment of cervix abnormalities.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disorder marked by physical and emotional symptoms. It affects women one or two weeks before the beginning of their menstrual period. The cause of PMS is unknown. It may be that a complex combination of environmental, metabolic, and behavioral factors causes vulnerability to the hormonal changes associated with menstruation. A brain chemical, serotonin, may play a role in severe forms of PMS.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease involving endometrial tissue. Normally, endometrial tissue is found only inside the uterus, the reproductive organ where a foetus develops. In endometriosis, endometrial-like tissue is found outside the uterus. It may be found on organs in the abdomen, pelvis, or another location. Outside the uterus, the tissue continues to respond to hormones. It swells, breaks down, and bleeds, but it is unable to pass through the body during menstruation. Thus surrounding tissue becomes inflamed, often with scarring.