Boca OB/GYN offers a variety of out-patient surgical procedures, including:
Colposcopy
Colposcopy is recommended if a Pap Smear result suggests further examination of the cervix. These results might indicate atypical cells, pre-cancerous cells or the HPV virus.
A colposcope is a microscope which provides a magnified view of the cervix. After placing a speculum in the vagina (as with a Pap Smear), a vinegar solution is applied to the cervix. If abnormalities are seen, a small sample of cervical cells is taken and sent to a lab for evaluation, with results available in about seven days. You might experience mild cramping and may take four Advil™ or two Aleve™ with food one hour prior to the exam.
Avoid intercourse and strenuous exercise for seven days after the exam. You may bathe or shower as usual. This exam cannot be performed during your period.
Endometrial Biopsy
An endometrial biopsy is usually performed to investigate abnormal uterine bleeding. A tissue sample is taken from the inside of the uterus using a thin hollow catheter. The procedure can cause cramping for about five minutes and subsides quickly.
You may take four Advil™ or two Aleve™ with food one hour prior to your appointment. Your period may be heavier than usual after the procedure; there should be no douching or intercourse for five days following the procedure. Tub baths and showers are fine.
Essure Sterilization
Essure sterilization (also known as Adiana sterilization) is an innovative method of female sterilization which can be performed on an out-patient basis without general anesthesia, which allows minimal inconvenience and rapid return to normal activity.
The procedure requires no surgical incision; instead it involves the placement of a small, flexible insert through the cervix into each fallopian tube. Once the inserts are in place, over a three-month period your body tissue grows into them, blocking the fallopian tubes and thus preventing sperm from reaching or fertilizing the egg.
Sterilization is not accomplished immediately. Alternate contraception must be used during the three months following the procedure until an X-ray exam (HSG) confirms blockage of the tubes and correct placement of the devices.
Advantages of Essure sterilization:
- Permanent, non-reversible sterilization
- No incisions or scars
- No general anesthesia
- Out-patient procedure (no hospitalization)
- Covered by most insurance plans
- Contains no hormones
- Superior effectivesness over oral contraceptives or tubal litigation
- Rapid recovery
Candidates for Essure sterilization are women who desire permanent sterilization (do not want additional pregnancies) and are not allergic to nickel. Additional information is available at www.essure.com or www.adiana.com.
LEEP Cervical Excision
When the results of a colposcopy and biopsy indicate treatment is necessary, a LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) may be recommended. Abnormal cells are removed from the cervix using a thin wire loop through which an electrical current is passed. This loop removes a thin layer of cells from the surface of the cervix. This tissue is then examined by a pathologist who’s results are available within a week.
The procedure requires the use of local anesthetic. You may experience cramping and may take four Advil™ or two Aleve™ with food one hour prior to the procedure. Please avoid intercourse, douching, tampons and strenuous exercise for four weeks after the LEEP.
You should schedule this procedure approximately one week after your period. Afterwards you may bathe or shower as usual.
NovaSure™ Endometrial Ablation
The NovaSure™ procedure is a quick, safe and simple one-time excessive bleeding treatment without hormones. The procedure does not require a hysterectomy. With an average ablation time of about 90 seconds, patients can be treated for heavy menstrual bleeding without the need for IV sedation. Additional information is available at www.novasure.com.
Sonohysterogram (SONO HSG)
The sonohysterogram an out-patient ultrasound study which evaluates abnormal uterine bleeding. A small thin catheter is inserted through the cervix, then the uterine cavity is filled with sterile water, enabling examination via vaginal ultrasound. There will be some cramping during the 5-10 minute procedure. Do not schedule this procedure during your period.
Cervical Cryosurgery
If certain types of abnormalities are found, ablation or destruction of cervical surface tissue may be necessary. This freezing process lasts 7-8 minutes and may result in mild cramping. You may take four Advil™ or two Aleve™ with food one hour prior to your appointment.