Every woman goes to the gynecologist for one or two reasons: (1) to get their annual Pap smear test to check for cervical cancer, and (2) to get medical care for a future, current, or past pregnancy. Sometimes a visit to the gynecologist is followed by a recommendation for surgery or further gynecological procedures.
If this has happened to you, know that you are not alone. Millions of women require further evaluation each year after a Pap smear or for a gynecology issue.
Knowing about the most frequently performed gynecology surgeries and procedures can help give you a better handle on the situation, and they include the following:
Colposcopy
This procedure is usually recommended if your Pap smear came back with possible abnormalities. You will go back to your OB/GYN for this follow-up test, which to the patient seems pretty much the same as a regular Pap smear.
In a colposcopy, your gynecologist will use a colposcope to examine your vulva, vagina, and cervix. The gynecologist will take a sample of the cells – a slightly larger sample than was taken during the Pap smear – and send it to a laboratory for further testing.
Cryotherapy
Abnormal growths in your cervix usually go away over time. But if they don’t, then it’s most likely a case of cervical dysplasia. In this case, your gynecologist may recommend that you get cervical cryosurgery, because this symptom can indicate a precancerous lesion.
The procedure uses nitrogen gas to freeze a portion of your cervix in order to destroy any abnormal cell growths that may lead to cancer. This method is also used to treat lesions in the vulva, vagina, and endometrium, and it has few if any side effects.
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a nonsurgical way to diagnose and treat uterine conditions, particularly bleeding issues. Using a hysteroscope, which is a very thin tube that has a tiny fiber-optic camera at the tip, the doctor will examine your uterus.
This can be done purely for diagnostic purposes or also for treatment. The physician may use this procedure to remove a fibroid, uterine adhesion, polyp, septum, or issue with the uterine lining.
Dilation and Curettage
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a minimally invasive procedure whereby the gynecologist will remove ancillary tissue from the uterus. This is performed to remove leftover tissue after a miscarriage or to treat issues that are causing unusual bleeding.
LEEP Procedure
The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is performed when a Pap smear reveals abnormal cells on the cervix and/or vagina. The doctor uses a thin, electrically charged wire loop to cut away the abnormal cells. This can also be used to remove polyps or genital warts.
Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is usually performed while you’re under general anesthesia. The doctor will make an incision in your lower abdomen (around your belly button) to examine your abdominal organs, take samples of your cells, remove scar tissue, or perform other minor surgical procedures.
Gynecology Services in North Miami
Our highly trained gynecologists at Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center specialize in providing comprehensive gynecological care to women in the community of North Miami. We diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of gynecological disorders and provide women’s wellness checkups.
If you have any questions about our gynecological services or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us today at (305) 981-0231 or fill out our appointment request form now. We look forward to seeing you!