What is a hysterectomy?
The word hysterectomy means having the womb (uterus) removed. It almost always includes removal of the neck of the womb (cervix). Most gynaecologists try to preserve a patient’s ovaries before her natural menopause (change of life), provided they are healthy. This will be discussed with you at your outpatient appointment. There are different ways to remove the uterus (womb).
What is a hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that is used to view the inside of the womb or uterus, using a fine telescope. It allows the Gynaecologist to look for problems such as polyps, fibroids, or cancer that cannot be diagnosed by a pelvic examination. A biopsy (sample) from the lining of the womb is often taken at the same time.
What is a laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy is an operation performed under a general anaesthetic, which involves looking at the organs within your pelvis and abdomen with a thin camera called a laparoscope. It is sometimes referred to as keyhole surgery.
It is done to find the cause of problems such as pelvic pain, painful periods, infertility or painful sex. It can also be performed for sterilisation, removal of small cysts, fallopian tubes or ovaries.
It can also be used to treat adhesions and endometriosis (lining of the womb growing elsewhere).
Why is surgery performed?
A prolapse is caused by weakness in the tissues around the vagina. This may be your womb or bulging of the front or back vaginal wall with the bladder or bowel behind it.
The most common symptom is a sensation of something coming down the vagina. A prolapse doesn’t always need treatment and there are non-surgical ways of treating them with pessaries.
Endometrial ablation has become an increasingly popular treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding, since it is minimally invasive and avoids ongoing medications use.
Ablation is achieved by surgical destruction of endometrial lining. Traditionally a resectoscope is used to remove or resect endometrial lining under vision. This is associated with increased surgical times and uptake of fluid used to distend uterine cavity.
Dr Sem uses second generation global endometrial ablation device – Novasure. It allows more uniform treatment of endometrial surface, shorter operating time and reduces risks of thermal (heat) injury to internal organs.
You had a Total Laparoscopy Hysterectomy. There are a few things that you should watch for. Please download the instructions on the link.
Progesterone-releasing intrauterine device is a small T-shaped device containing a hormone called levonorgestrel. It is a very effective form of long acting but still reversible contraception.
It is also frequently used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding.
Contraception means prevention of pregnancy and contraceptive methods work in a variety of ways. They may prevent the sperm from fertilising the ovum, prevent ovulation or change the endometrium so the fertilised ovum can’t implant.
The menopause is the final menstrual period and usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55 years. Around this time, women may experience symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, irritability, sleep disturbance and muscle/joint pains. Oestrogen therapy is the most effective means of treating these symptoms. It will also prevent bone loss.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (or polycystic ovarian syndrome – PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition. ‘Polycystic’ literally translates as ‘many cysts’. This really refers to there being many partially formed follicles on the ovaries, which each contain an egg. These rarely grow to maturity or produce eggs that can be fertilised.
Women with PCOS commonly have high levels of insulin, or male hormones known as ‘androgens’, or both. The cause of this is unclear, but insulin resistance is thought to be the key problem driving this syndrome.