Complete Care
Procedure Information
Below is a guide to all of the procedures offered by Greenville OB/GYN. Explore the topic areas, read the brief descriptions of the procedures, and click through to learn more specific information about preparing for the procedure, and what you should expect after the procedure.
It’s important to note that this information is not completely comprehensive, and is intended to provide an overview of the procedure and your care. You should always have a thorough discussion with your physician prior to any procedure. Also, it’s important to note that, as with any procedure, there are risks, but these procedures are generally safe. Many of the risks closely associated with these procedures are very rare; once again, you should have a more detailed conversation with your physician about the risks and benefits of each procedure.
Obstetric Procedures
Induction of Labor
What is induction of labor?
Induction of labor means getting the process of childbirth (labor) started before it happens naturally on its own. This is done with the use of medicines or, in some cases, surgical methods.
Cervical Ripening
What is cervical ripening?
During pregnancy, the cervix is closed to keep the baby inside the uterus. Once in labor, the cervix needs to open, or dilate, wide enough to let the baby come through. When the cervix changes from being closed and firm to soft and thin, this is called cervical ripening.
Cesarean Section
What is a cesarean section?
A cesarean section is an operation that delivers a baby through a cut in your abdomen and uterus. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. This procedure is also called a C-section.
External Cephalic Version
What is external cephalic version?
External cephalic version is the changing of a baby’s position in the uterus by manipulation of the mother’s abdomen. Usually it is done to turn a breech baby to a vertex (headfirst) position. A breech baby’s bottom or feet are in position to come out before the head during delivery though the birth canal. Such a delivery may be hazardous. For example, the baby’s head may become trapped in the mother’s cervix. If the baby is moved to a headfirst position, you may avoid having a vaginal breech delivery or cesarean section.
Circumcision
What is a circumcision?
Circumcision means cutting off the foreskin, or ring of tissue, that covers the head of the penis. It is usually done the day your newborn goes home from the hospital.
Fewer children in the U.S. are being circumcised now than several years ago. In 1979, 90 % of American males were circumcised compared to 60% now. The following information should help you decide what is best for your son.
Cerclage
What is cerclage?
Treatment for cervical incompetence is a surgical procedure called cervical cerclage, in which the cervix is sewn closed during pregnancy. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus and extends into the vagina. A cervical cerclage procedure may be used if a woman’s cervix is at risk of opening under the pressure of the growing pregnancy. A weak cervix may be the result of:
- History of second-trimester miscarriages
- A previous “cone biopsy” or a “LEEP” procedure
- Damaged cervix by pregnancy termination
Exploratory Procedures
Cystoscopy
What is cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inside of the bladder and the urethra using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope.
The cystoscope is inserted into your vagina and slowly advanced into the bladder.
Cystoscopy allows your doctor to look at areas of your bladder and urethra that usually do not show up well on X-rays. Tiny surgical instruments can be inserted through the cystoscope that allow your doctor to remove samples of tissue or samples of urine from each kidney.
Small bladder stones and some small growths can be removed during cystoscopy. This may eliminate the need for more extensive surgery.
Exploratory Laparotomy
What is Exploratory Laparotomy?
A laparotomy is a surgery of the abdomen, which requires a standard surgical incision.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
What is diagnostic laparoscopy?
A diagnostic laparoscopy is a procedure in which your health care provider uses a laparoscope to look at the organs and tissues inside your abdomen. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Hysteroscopy with Lysis Adhesions
What is a hysteroscopy with lysis of adhesions?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a hysteroscope to look at the inside of your uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin tube with a tiny camera. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. Your provider can guide a tool into the uterus to remove adhesions (bands of scar tissue) from the uterus.
Hysteroscopy
What is a Hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a hysteroscope to look at the inside of your uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin tube with a tiny camera. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
Hysterectomy Procedures
Hysteroscopy
What is a hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a hysteroscope to look at the inside of your uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin tube with a tiny camera. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
Laparoscopic Assisted Supracervical Hysterectomy
What is a laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy?
A laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through four tiny abdominal incisions less than one quarter to one half an inch in length usually leaving the cervix in place. Removal of the tubes and ovaries can also be done if desired. Hysterectomy can be subdivided into a total hysterectomy, which includes removal of the uterus and cervix, or sub-total hysterectomy, removal of only the upper part of the uterus and leaving the cervix in place (as in supracervical). The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. In a laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Vaginal Hysterectomy Assisted with Laparoscopy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
In a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy and Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy and a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. A bilateral salpingo oophorectomy is a surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
In a vaginal hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy assisted with laparoscopy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
What is a abdominal hysterectomy?
An abdominal hysterectomy is a procedure in which the uterus is removed through a cut in the abdomen. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. Other female organs may also be removed when the uterus is removed:
- A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lymph nodes.
- A total hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and the cervix, but not the ovaries or tubes.
- A subtotal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, but the ovaries, cervix, and fallopian tubes are left in place.
Abdominal Hysterectomy & Bilateral Salingo Oophorectomy
What is abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salingo oophorectomy?
An abdominal hysterectomy is when the uterus and the cervix are removed through an incision in the lower abdomen. A bilateral salingo oopherectomy is the removal or both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
What is a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through four tiny abdominal incisions less than one quarter to one half an inch in length. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Vaginal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
What is a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy?
A bilateral salpingo oophorectomy is sometimes done in combination with other procedures and involves the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
Unilateral or Bilateral Salpingo Oopherectomy
What is unilateral or bilateral salpingo oopherectomy?
A unilateral salpingo oopherectomy is a procedure in which the ovary and fallopian tube on one side of the body is removed. A bilateral salpingo oopherectomy is when both fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed.
Laparoscopic Procedures
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
What is a diagnostic laparoscopy?
A diagnostic laparoscopy is a procedure in which your health care provider uses a laparoscope to look at the organs and tissues inside your abdomen. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Operative Laparoscopy
What is a operative laparoscopy?
An operative laparoscopy is a procedure in which your health care provider uses a laparoscope to look at the organs and tissue inside your abdomen and make repairs to improve your symptoms. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera. Your health care provider will remove adhesions or endometriosis, one or both ovaries, one or both fallopian tubes, my appendix and anything else in his judgement is necessary to treat my condition. If I have a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy he/she may make an incision in my tube and remove the pregnancy. I may not be able to become pregnant after this surgery.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy
What is a laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy is a procedure in which your health care provider uses a laparoscope to treat a problem with organs or tissue inside your abdomen. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Laparoscopic Assisted Supracervical Hysterectomy
What is a laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy?
A laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through four tiny abdominal incisions less than one quarter to one half an inch in length usually leaving the cervix in place. Removal of the tubes and ovaries can also be done if desired. Hysterectomy can be subdivided into a total hysterectomy, which includes removal of the uterus and cervix, or sub-total hysterectomy, removal of only the upper part of the uterus and leaving the cervix in place (as in supracervical). The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. In a laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Vaginal hysterectomy Assisted with Laparoscopy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
In a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy and Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy
What is a vaginal hysterectomy assisted with laparoscopy and a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy?
A vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. A bilateral salpingo oophorectomy is a surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
In a vaginal hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy assisted with laparoscopy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
What is a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus through four tiny abdominal incisions less than one quarter to one half an inch in length. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the doctor uses a tool called a laparoscope to help with the removal. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Laparoscopy for Tubal Ligation
What is a laparoscopy for tubal ligation?
A laparoscopy for tubal ligation is a procedure in which your health care provider closes a woman’s fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. It is a type of sterilization for women. The fallopian tubes carry eggs to the uterus. Your provider uses a laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and tiny camera) to see the fallopian tubes. Your provider uses another thing tube with a tool for closing the tubes. This prevents pregnancy because it stops sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal Ligation
What is a laparoscopy for tubal ligation?
A laparoscopy for tubal ligation is a procedure in which your health care provider closes a woman’s fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. It is a type of sterilization for women. The fallopian tubes carry eggs to the uterus. Your provider uses a laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and tiny camera) to see the fallopian tubes. Your provider uses another thing tube with a tool for closing the tubes. This prevents pregnancy because it stops sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs.
Laparoscopy for Tubal Ligation
What is a laparoscopy for tubal ligation?
A laparoscopy for tubal ligation is a procedure in which your health care provider closes a woman’s fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. It is a type of sterilization for women. The fallopian tubes carry eggs to the uterus. Your provider uses a laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and tiny camera) to see the fallopian tubes. Your provider uses another thing tube with a tool for closing the tubes. This prevents pregnancy because it stops sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs.
Excision and Biopsy Procedures
Excision Biopsy
What is an excision biopsy?
An excision biopsy is a procedure for complete removal of a lump or abnormal area from the skin or other part of the body. The tissue is then sent to a lab for tests.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy
What is a laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy is a procedure in which your health care provider uses a laparoscope to treat a problem with organs or tissue inside your abdomen. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a light and tiny camera.
Laser Vaporization
What is laser vaporization?
Laser vaporization is the use of a laser to destroy cells, usually of the cervix, vagina or vulva that have premalignant (dysplastic) cells in them.
Why is this procedure necessary?
This procedure is necessary to destroy premalignant cells that may develop into cancerous cells if left untreated.
LEEP/LLETZ Under Anesthesia
What is LEEP/LLETZ?
LEEP is a procedure for removing a type of abnormal tissue growth in the cervix called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). It uses a thin wire loop attached to an electrical unit.
The cervix is the narrow, lower portion of the uterus. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus, through the cervix.
LEEP is an abbreviation for loop electrosurgical excision procedure. It is also referred to as large look excision of the transformation zone, or LLETZ.
Hysteroscopy with Lysis of Adhesions
What is a hysteroscopy with lysis of adhesions?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a hysteroscope to look at the inside of your uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin tube with a tiny camera. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. Your provider can guide a tool into the uterus to remove adhesions (bands of scar tissue) from the uterus.
Marsupialization or Excision of Bartholin's Gland
What is a Bartholin’s gland cyst?
A Bartholin’s gland cyst is a fluid-filled swelling of a Bartholin’s gland. Bartholin’s glands are two small glands on each side of the opening of the vagina (birth canal). These glands are called Bartholin’s glands. They each have a small duct (tube) that opens to the outside. The glands produce a fluid that helps protect the tissue around the vagina and provides lubrication during sexual intercourse. Normally these glands cannot be felt or seen.
Myomectomy
What is myomectomy?
Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus. It allows the uterus to be left in place and, for some women, makes pregnancy more likely than before. Myomectomy is the preferred fibroid treatment for women who want to become pregnant. After myomectomy, your chances of pregnancy may be improved, but are not guaranteed.
Resection of the Hymen
What is resection of the Hymen?
A vulvar or vaginal excision is when the hymenal band is removed.
Vaginal Excision
What is vulvar or vaginal excision?
A vulvar or vaginal excision is when tissue on the vulva or vagina is removed.
Uterine Procedures
Conization of the Cervix
What is conization of the cervix?
Conization of the cervix is an operation to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix. The cervix is the lower, cone-shaped part of the uterus. The uterus is a muscular organ at the top of the vagina where menstruation begins and babies grow.
Hysteroscopy
What is a hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a hysteroscope to look at the inside of your uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin tube with a tiny camera. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.
Cystoscopy
What is a cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inside of the bladder and the urethra using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope.
The cystoscope is inserted into your vagina and slowly advanced into the bladder.
Dilation & Curettage
What is a dilation and curettage?
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a minor surgical procedure used to remove tissue from the uterus. The uterus is the organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. Dilation is preformed to open and widen the cervix (entrance to the uterus). Curettage is used to remove tissue from the uterus.
Endometrial Ablation
What is an Endometrial Ablation?
An endometrial ablation is a procedure that uses a lighted viewing instrument (hysteroscope) and other instruments to destroy the uterine lining or endometrium. The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding.
Endometrial Resection
What is endometrial resection?
Endometrial resection is a procedure involving the removal of a woman’s endometrium (the lining of the uterus) with an electrosurgical wire loop to prevent excessive bleeding during menstruation. In most cases, this procedure significantly reduces or stops blood flow.
LEEP/LLETZ Under Anesthesia
What is a LEEP/LLETZ?
LEEP is a procedure for removing a type of abnormal tissue growth in the cervix called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). It uses a thin wire loop attached to an electrical unit.
Hysteroscopy with Lysis of Adhesions
What is a hysteroscopy with lysis of adhesions?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a hysteroscope to look at the inside of your uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin tube with a tiny camera. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. Your provider can guide a tool into the uterus to remove adhesions (bands of scar tissue) from the uterus.
Myomectomy
What is myomectomy?
Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus. It allows the uterus to be left in place and, for some women, makes pregnancy more likely than before. Myomectomy is the preferred fibroid treatment for women who want to become pregnant. After myomectomy, your chances of pregnancy may be improved, but are not guaranteed.
Dilation & Evacuation
What is a Dilation & Evacuation?
Dilation & evacuation (D&E) is one of the methods used when a woman is having a miscarriage. A D&E is done to completely remove all of the tissue in the uterus after confirmation of no fetal heart tones or severe fetal abnormalities in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Vaginal and Rectal Repair
Burch Procedure
What is a burch procedure?
Burch procedure is performed to treat urinary incontinence, and is a surgical procedure in which the neck of the bladder is suspended from nearby ligaments with sutures.
Culdeplasty
What is culdeplasty?
Culdeplasty is a surgical technique that repairs an enterocele. The physician will make an incision in the vagina, and will find the tissue that supports the bladder and the rectum. The physician then sutures it to surrounding tissues to elevate and support the bladder and the vaginal apex.
Cystocele and Rectocele Repair
What is a cystocele and rectocele repair?
A cystocele and rectocele repair is an operation that lifts and tightens the tissue around the bladder and rectum so these organs no longer push against the vagina. This procedure is also known as an Anterior and Posterior Repair.
Marsupialization or Excision of Bartholin's Gland
What is a Bartholin’s gland cyst?
A Bartholin’s gland cyst is a fluid-filled swelling of a Bartholin’s gland. Bartholin’s glands are two small glands on each side of the opening of the vagina (birth canal). These glands are called Bartholin’s glands. They each have a small duct (tube) that opens to the outside. The glands produce a fluid that helps protect the tissue around the vagina and provides lubrication during sexual intercourse. Normally these glands cannot be felt or seen.
Paravaginal Repair
What is paravaginal repair?
Paravaginal repair is a surgery used to restore the bladder and the urethra to its normal position by attaching it to the pelvic side-walls.
Posterior Repair
What is a posterior repair?
A posterior repair is necessary when the vagina and the back passage – rectum are no longer held up properly. The rectum drops down onto the back of the vagina it makes a weakness or bulge. The bulge is called a prolapse. A prolapsed rectum is called a rectocele. The prolapsed rectum may not empty properly when you want. The prolapse makes you feel uncomfortable in the vagina. The prolapse happens if the supports to the vagina and rectum stretch during pregnancy, and do not get back to normal afterwards. This may not show up until after the menopause. Having a heavy job, having a chronic cough, or being overweight will all bring on a prolapse earlier. This procedure will tighten up the supports to the rectum, and take away the bulge in the vagina.
Rectovaginal Fistual Repair
What is rectovaginal fistula repair?
A rectovaginal fistula is when there is an abnormal connection or a hole between the rectum and the vagina. The rectovaginal fistula repair procedure is used to correct this problem.
Resection of the Hymen
What is resection of the Hymen?
A vulvar or vaginal excision is when the hymenal band is removed.
Sacral Colpopexy
What is sacral colpopexy?
Sacral colpopexy is a surgical procedure used to correct a prolapsed vagina.
Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation
What is sacrospinous ligament fixation?
Sacropinous ligament fixation is a surgical procedure used to correct bulging of the vagina, also known as prolapse of the vagina.
Trans-Obturator Tape (TOT)
What is Trans-Obturator Tape?
Trans-Obturator Tape (TOT) procedure is designed to provide support for a sagging urethra so that when you cough or move vigorously or suddenly the urethra can remain closed with no accidental release of urine.
Tension-Free Vaginal Tape
What is tension free vaginal tape?
Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure is designed to provide support for a sagging urethra so that when you cough or move vigorously or suddenly the urethra can remain closed with no accidental release of urine.
Vaginal Excision
What is vulvar or vaginal excision?
A vulvar or vaginal excision is when tissue on the vulva or vagina is removed.
Colpcleisis
What is a colpcleisis?
Colpocleisis is the surgical closure of the vaginal canal. This procedure is done in an attempt to support the bladder, rectum and vagina and requires incisions in the vagina.
Complete Care
Endometriosis: Everything You Need to Know
Endometriosis is a common condition with plenty of misconceptions. The disease occurs when tissue called endometrium, similar to the tissue that normally lines the uterus, grows in other parts of the body. Endometriosis affects as many as one in 10 American women. It can cause pain, scarring, and even infertility.
