Experienced surgeons in minimally invasive, and traditional surgical techniques.
Our goal is to solve gynecologic problems with the least invasive approach to achieve the best possible results.
Our surgeons are skilled in many minimally invasive procedures and have the expertise to assess complex medical problems that may be best resolved with surgical treatment.
A “minimally invasive” procedure means that we use the smallest incisions possible and the least traumatic techniques to accomplish the surgery. This may include the use of:
All of this is focused on our goal of allowing patients to return to normal activity as soon as possible, with minimum pain and the shortest possible recovery.
MIS Procedures
In addition to performing surgical procedures at Baystate Medical Center, our practice offers office procedures for specific evaluations and treatments.
Direct injections into “trigger points” are sometimes utilized. Often one or a series of injections using a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) and a steroid (anti-inflammatory) are used for these local injections. This technique can be used for certain types of chronic vulvar or pelvic pain.
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that is used to evaluate the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. Sterile water is placed into the cavity to expand the uterus and a small scope is inserted to give the doctor a clear view of the inside of the uterus. The scope is hooked up to a camera and TV monitor so that both doctor and patient (if she so desires) can see. This may be required to look for structural abnormalities such as fibroids, or to evaluate abnormal bleeding. Sometimes tissue samples or small polyps are removed during the procedure.
Women who suffer from abnormally heavy uterine bleeding may find cryoablation therapy as a good treatment option for reducing or eliminating heavy periods. The treatment uses sub-zero temperatures to destroy the endometrium, resulting in dramatically less menstrual bleeding. The procedure is performed in the office with minimal anesthesia, and no IV or surgery. For more information, visit Cerene.
LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedures, which is a procedure where abnormal areas of the cervix may be removed for further evaluation, or to ensure that an abnormality has been completely removed. LEEP would be used in cases of an abnormal pap smear followed by a colposcopy to confirm the diagnosis of dysplasia (abnormal growth). The LEEP device uses a thin, wire loop and electric current to remove the tissue. The cervix is first numbed using a local anesthetic and the procedure otherwise feels very similar to colposcopy.
Colposcopy is the procedure used to view the cervix with a magnifying scope. By using magnification and certain solutions applied to tissue, the doctor can identify the source of abnormal cells often found on Pap smears. Once these cell patterns are visible to the eye, small biopsies may be taken for the lab to evaluate and correlate with the Pap. There may be a little discomfort with the biopsy, but they are very quick and usually well-tolerated. Any bleeding is usually minimal and is treated with a “mustard-like” paste, which may leave a discharge for a few days. The procedure is less than 20 minutes long.
Corrective surgery options for sagging or bulging of the bladder, urethra, cervix and rectum through the pelvic floor
The goal of Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery is to restore normal pelvic floor anatomy and give you the best possible chance at maintaining a normal quality of life.
The choices and types of surgery that you may consider will depend on:
When considering these surgeries, the doctor will engage you in a detailed discussion about all of these issues, along with your lifestyle, activity goals (including sexual function) and any risks.
In addition to the surgery, your doctor may recommend pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation as a complement to surgery. This relationship is similar to the role of physical therapy in orthopedics.
Anterior colporrhaphy
A vaginal procedure to reestablish the supports between the bladder and vagina to fix a cystocele. A synthetic mesh or organic graft material made be placed to reinforce this repair
Illiococcygeal fascial attachment
A vaginal procedure that attaches the top of the prolapsed vagina to pararectal supportive tissue.
Sacrocolpopexy
A procedure that attaches the top of the prolapsed vagina to the sacrum using either synthetic mesh or cadaveric material, which may be performed abdominally or laparoscopically.
Sacrospinous vaginal vault suspension
A vaginal procedure that attaches the top of the prolapsed vagina to a ligament in the pelvis.
Supracervical hysterectomy
A procedure which removes most of the uterus, but leaving the cervix behind. This procedure can be done abdominally or laparoscopically.
Total colpectomy
A procedure for complete closure of the vagina to correct prolapse, and is only performed when the patient is completely sure that she will never want to have intercourse again.
Total colpocleisis
A procedure for closure of the vagina (similar to colpectomy) while leaving channels at the side for drainage from the uterus (which is not removed)
Transvaginal enterocele repair
Closes the space between the vagina and rectum through a vaginal incision to prevent the small bowel from pushing the vagina out. This procedure will also resuspend the top of the vagina.
Uterosacral ligament suspension
A procedure that suspends the top of the vagina to the uteroscral ligaments, and can be performed vaginally, abdominally or laparoscopically.
Traditional abdominal surgery refers to operating through an open abdominal incision known as a laparotomy. A laparotomy can be performed through a transverse incision or a vertical incision.
We pride ourselves in providing individualized diagnosis and treatment options for gynecologic problems that may be best treated through surgery either through minimally invasive procedures or traditional abdominal surgery. Our extensive surgical experience, and respect for our patients, guides our approach to open abdominal procedures such as Total Abdominal Hysterectomy. Learn more about hysterectomy.
We make a concerted effort to keep our incisions as small as possible and to use minimally invasive techniques to reduce tissue trauma whenever possible and medically appropriate. This speeds up recovery and reduces postoperative pain and adhesions.
Our practitioner options and 24/7 availability for urgent obstetrical care and deliveries set us apart from other practices.
