Colposcopy

A procedure to view the cervix if a PAP test is abnormal. A liquid is used to highlight abnormal cells that may need to be biopsied at the medical providers’ discretion.

Sonohysterography

An ultrasound procedure to evaluate heavy, irregular, or prolonged menstrual bleeding, and postmenopausal bleeding and to visualize any abnormal growths or masses such as fibroids or polyps in the reproductive system.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy may be used to diagnose the reason for pelvic pain, treat tubal pregnancy or sterilization, remove ovarian cysts, or perform a hysterectomy. A small scope, or laparoscope, is introduced through the abdominal wall to examine the abdomen and pelvis. The surgery is performed at a hospital but, due to the smaller scars that are made, there is usually a shorter procedure time, faster recovery, a decreased chance of scarring, and lower cost.

LEEP (Loop electrosurgical excision procedure)

LEEP may be used to make a diagnosis or for treatment and is done at the outpatient Mary Immaculate Ambulatory Surgery Center. [Link to www.mi-asc.com]  It is used to remove a small portion of the cervix in cases of pre-cancer. Rarely a LEEP procedure may cause scarring or weakness of the cervix in the future.

Dilatation and curettage (D & C)

A D&C may help determine why a woman is having abnormal bleeding or may be used to remove remaining tissue after a miscarriage. Sometimes, if a woman is having very heavy bleeding, this procedure will help to stop it. The neck of the uterus (cervix) is opened and an instrument is used to remove the uterine lining.

Hysteroscopy

This procedure may be done at the same time as a D&C.  An instrument like a telescope is used to view the lining of the uterus and may also be used to remove polyps or fibroids.  The hysteroscope can also be used to place tiny coils in the fallopian tubes for permanent sterilization.

Endometrial biopsy

A tiny catheter is threaded through the uterine opening to remove a small bit of tissue for a biopsy examination to test for uterine cancer.  It can also be used to tell if a woman is ovulating when she is trying to get pregnant. The procedure is usually done in the office and generally causes only mild discomfort.

Surgical procedures are done in our office and at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital.