Gynaecology & Surgery
Endometriosis
The tissue that lines the uterus (womb) is called the endometrium (or endometrial tissue). Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue is found outside of the uterus, mainly within the pelvis, such as the ovaries or tissues (ligaments) supporting the uterus but also less commonly the appendix, bowel, or bladder. While the exact cause of endometriosis is uncertain, a number of theories exist. It is likely that a number of factors contribute to the formation of endometriosis, including genetic or familial predisposition, environmental and immunological factors, reversal of menstrual flow and changes in the lining of the pelvic cavity.
Read more
Fibroids
What is a fibroid?
A fibroid (leiomyoma) is a benign growth of muscle in the uterus (womb). These growths may occur on the outside (subserosal fibroid), in the substance (intramural) or in the cavity (submucosal) of the uterus.
While the exact cause of fibroids is uncertain it is likely that a number of factors contribute to the formation of fibroids, including genetic or familial predisposition, environmental and immunological factors, and in particular, hormonal factors. Generally, a female hormone (oestrogen) causes fibroids to grow.
Read more
Laparoscopic Tubal Reanastomosis
What will be done?
This procedure will rejoin separated uterine (Fallopian) tubes.
Why is this done?
This procedure is most commonly performed after a female sterilisation procedure (tubal ligation) when further fertility is desired. Other reasons include repair of a tube following ectopic pregnancy or following the excision of abnormal segments of the tube.
Read more
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
What will be done?
This procedure will remove the cervix and uterus. Ovaries and tubes may or may not be removed during this procedure, depending on the reasons for the surgery. If the ovaries are removed, you will enter the menopause (“change of life”). A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure with physical and psychological consequences.
Why is this done?
Common reasons include painful or heavy periods, pelvic pain, fibroids or as a part of therapy for cancer. You should have a clear understanding of your reason for this surgery.
Read more
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
What will be done?
This procedure will remove the cervix and uterus. Ovaries and tubes may or may not be removed during this procedure, depending on the reasons for the surgery. If the ovaries are removed, you will enter the menopause. A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure with physical and psychological consequences.
Why is this done?
Common reasons include painful or heavy periods, pelvic pain, fibroids or as a part of therapy for cancer. You should have a clear understanding of your reason for this surgery.
Read more
Vaginal Hysterectomy
What will be done?
This procedure will remove the cervix and uterus. Ovaries and tubes may or may not be removed during this procedure, depending on the reasons for the surgery. If the ovaries are removed, you will enter the menopause. A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure with physical and psychological consequences. A vaginal repair may be performed at the same time (see pamphlet).
Why is this done?
Common reasons include painful or heavy periods, pelvic pain, fibroids or as a part of therapy for cancer. You should have a clear understanding of your reason for this surgery.
Read more
Ovarian Cyst
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid filled structure in association with the ovary. Ovarian cysts may be normal (ovarian cysts form in every woman's ovary during the process of ovulation, known as physiological cysts) or abnormal. Most abnormal ovarian cysts are benign tumours (growths) of the ovary. Ovarian cancer, while rare, needs to be excluded.
How common are ovarian cysts?
Normal ovarian cysts develop in every woman in every cycle in association with the process of ovulation.
Read more
Laparoscopy
What will be done?
This procedure will permit visualisation of the internal organs and may be combined with specific treatment, such as the removal of ovarian cysts, treatment of endometriosis or the division of adhesions (scarring).
Why is this done?
Common reasons include the assessment of painful or heavy periods, pelvic pain (as may occur with endometriosis or adhesions), pelvic masses (such as ovarian cysts) or as assessment of fertility. You should have a clear understanding of your reason for this surgery.
Read more
Hysteroscopy
What will be done?
This procedure will permit visualisation of the internal aspect of the womb (uterus) and may be combined with specific treatment, such as the removal of endometrial polyps or fibroids or the insertion of a intrauterine device, such as Mirena. It is often combined with a curettage, which samples the lining of the uterus.
Why is this done?
Common reasons include the assessment of heavy periods, abnormal vaginal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, fibroids, polyps or as part of the assessment of fertility. You should have a clear understanding of your reason for this surgery.
Read more
Chronic Pelvic Pain
What is chronic pelvic pain?
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is pain that that lasts for more than six months.
How common is CPP?
CPP affects nearly 15% (one in seven) of all women in the reproductive age.
Read more
Vaginal Pelvic Floor Repair
What will be done?
This procedure will repair prolapse of the vagina and/or uterus using the vaginal approach, (from below). We will use Mesh (a strong weave of permanent suture material) or individual sutures to re-support the vagina and/or uterus to more solid structures in the pelvis. We can preserve the uterus or remove it (vaginal hysterectomy) at the same operation depending on the type of prolapse, any other problems and your age. Sometimes we may also perform an operation to repair urine leakage.
Why is this done?
Common reasons for performing prolapse surgery are; prolapse causing discomfort or pain, difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel, prolapse not reduced by pessaries, prolapse interfering with sexual activity.
Read more
Laparoscopic Pelvic Floor Repair
What will be done?
This procedure will repair prolapse of the vagina and/or uterus using "keyhole" (Iaparoscopic) surgery from "above". Sometimes we also perform some vaginal surgery from "below" to assist with the repair. We will use Mesh (a strong weave of permanent suture material) or individual permanent sutures to re-support the vagina and/or uterus to more solid structures in the pelvis. We can preserve the uterus or remove it at the same operation depending on the type of prolapse, any other problems and your age. Sometimes we may also perform an operation to repair urine leakage.
Why is this done?
Common reasons for performing prolapse surgery are; prolapse causing discomfort or pain, difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel, prolapse not reduced by pessaries, prolapse interfering with sexual activity.
Read more
Cystoscopy
What will be done?
This procedure will permit visualisation of the internal aspects of the bladder and urethra. It may be combined with specific treatment, such as the removal or insertion of a urethral catheter or biopsy.
Why is this done?
Common reasons include the assessment of pelvic pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary symptoms or in combination with other abdominal surgical procedures, such as the excision of endometriosis. You should have a clear understanding of your reason for this surgery.
Read more
Mirena IUCD
What is Mirena?
Mirena is a long acting, reversible hormone releasing contraceptive appliance that is inserted into the womb, ie an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). It is used as a contraceptive agent and to control heavy periods.
How does it work?
Mirena is a thin plastic T shaped device containing a synthetic female hormone, known as levonorgestrel, a progesterone. Progesterone is a contraceptive agent found in other preparations, such as “the pill”. This hormone interferes with the entrance and function of sperm and reduces the monthly growth of the lining of the womb (endometrium).
Read more
LLETZ
What will be done?
LLETZ stands for “Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone”. This procedure will remove a small segment of the cervix (the lower part of your womb or uterus). This procedure is often combined with a dilation and curettage (see information sheet).
Why is this done?
This procedure is performed for the diagnosis and management of abnormal cell growth (dysplasia). You should have a clear understanding of your reason for this surgery.
Read more |
