Gynecological procedures

Gynecological procedures

Which are the most popular? Over the years, gynecological procedures have developed significantly. Today, they encompass a wide range of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Which gynecological procedures are most commonly performed in professional clinics? Below we discuss a few of them.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive gynecological procedure effective both in diagnosing and treating various abnormalities and conditions within the uterine cavity. The procedure involves inserting a hysteroscope into the uterus through a speculum. This is a type of endoscope shaped like a long, flexible tube equipped with a miniature camera and a light source. This allows the specialist to carefully examine the interior of the uterus on a monitor screen, including the shape of the uterine cavity, the openings of the fallopian tubes, and to assess for any abnormalities. The hysteroscope also has a working channel, so if changes are confirmed, appropriate microsurgical instruments can be introduced to take biopsies for further diagnostics (histopathological examination), or even to remove some of them (e.g., small submucosal fibroids, endometrial polyps). Hysteroscopy usually lasts about half an hour and is performed under short intravenous anesthesia. Therefore, there is no need to fear any pain. It is a completely safe procedure that does not require a long stay in the clinic. Patients usually return home after 2-3 hours of observation. The main indication for hysteroscopy is suspicion of changes within the uterine cavity, including polyps, submucosal fibroids, endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, or intrauterine adhesions. It is often performed in patients experiencing difficulties conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. Indications also include menstrual cycle disorders, abnormal uterine bleeding, or suspicion of retained products after childbirth or miscarriage. Additionally, hysteroscopy allows for the efficient removal of an embedded or stuck intrauterine device.

Resectoscopy

Resectoscopy is another example of a modern gynecological procedure, certainly one of the more advanced hysteroscopic techniques. It is minimally invasive, allowing the patient to quickly return home and regain full health. It enables various types of procedures within the uterine cavity. The procedure is performed using a special instrument called a resectoscope, which has a larger diameter than a hysteroscope. Resectoscopy most often involves excision of unwanted lesions. Indications include detected fibroids, polyps, or endometrium. Resectoscopy is also effective in removing all types of adhesions. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia.

Laparoscopic gynecological procedures

Laparoscopic gynecological procedures involve a minimally invasive surgical technique using an endoscope. This specialized device allows imaging of the interior of the body, including the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Access to selected areas is achieved through small, several-millimeter incisions in the abdominal wall. Then, through these small openings, special microsurgical instruments and a camera are introduced into the pelvis or abdominal cavity, providing the ability to view the surgical field magnified on a screen. This allows the specialist to carefully assess the reproductive organs and adjacent structures and, if necessary, perform surgery. The advantage of this type of gynecological procedure is that the camera and instruments can reach difficult-to-access areas of the lesser pelvis, and the magnified view of the operated structures ensures much greater precision and accuracy during the procedure. Indications for laparoscopy include cysts and other changes in the ovaries, fallopian tube obstruction, hydrosalpinx, or uterine fibroids. However, this is just the beginning, as this modern method is also effective in diagnosing and treating unexplained female infertility, chronic pelvic pain syndromes, endometriosis, and pelvic adhesions. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Its duration depends on whether it is diagnostic or involves removal of pathological changes.