Gynecological surgery is concerned with the woman’s reproductive organs, genitourinary and rectal tracts. The primary objectives in gynecological surgery are to identify and correct malfunctions of the organs in these tracts, when possible, and maintain the overall health of the gynecological system. Gynecological surgery procedures routinely performed at Little Company of Mary Hospitals include:  

Diagnostic D & C (dilatation & curettage, or uterine scraping) is a relatively minor procedure in which the cervical canal is dilated to provide access to the uterine cavity for tissue collection. D & C may be recommended for relief from bleeding and to help diagnose infection, infertility, uterine cancer and other problems.  

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, resulting in the inability to become pregnant. It may be done through the abdomen or the vagina, with your physician determining which type of procedure is most appropriate. Hysterectomy may be recommended for uterine tumors or fibroids, certain cancers of the cervix, endometrium or ovary, severe and chronic pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding, endometriosis or other conditions.

Also known as pelvic laparoscopy, this procedure is used both to examine and treat pelvic organs through a small surgical viewing device (laparoscope) inserted into the abdomen at the navel. Pelviscopy may be recommended for pelvic pain, evaluation of infertility, sterilization, removal of uterine fibroids, tubal pregnancy or other conditions.

A minor surgical procedure, both diagnostic and simple operative hysteroscopy use a hysteroscope, or thin telescope, that is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. Hysteroscopy may help the doctor diagnose or treat a uterine problem, or confirm results of other tests. It may be used to help identify causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility or repeated miscarriages, or it may help locate abnormal growths, such as polyps and fibroids, or adhesions.