What is a surgical consultation?
A surgical consultation is a visit that you attend with your gynecologist to plan a surgery. V CARE OB/GYN performs a wide range of surgical procedures, and the planning period for them is extremely important. Your provider might perform an examination with or without imaging tests to plan your surgery or to confirm your diagnosis.
What happens during a surgical consultation?
During your surgical consultation, you sit down with your gynecologist to discuss your medical history, your family history, any symptoms you have, and any medications you currently take. They might also take your height, weight, and vitals at this time.
Next, your gynecologist may perform tests. You might undergo a pelvic examination so they can view and assess the state of your internal reproductive organs and evaluate the state of your condition. They might order an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or other imaging procedures for a better assessment of your condition.
Finally, your gynecologist describes the surgery to you in detail, so you know what to expect. They give you instructions to follow as you prepare for your upcoming surgery, often starting right after the consultation. You can ask questions about your upcoming surgery and find out what the recovery process is like, so you can make arrangements around work, school, and other responsibilities.
What type of gynecological surgery might I need?
V CARE OB/GYN provides a wide range of gynecological surgeries to treat various conditions. Other surgeries act as permanent forms of birth control. Your doctor might recommend one of these surgical procedures as part of your treatment:
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery using small incisions. Your gynecologist uses a slender camera called a laparoscope to view your organs and diagnose fibroids, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, and more.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin telescope through your vagina and into your uterus. The technique can remove adhesions, block the fallopian tubes for permanent birth control, and more.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is a surgery to remove uterine fibroids or noncancerous growths in your uterus. Your gynecological surgeon might perform the surgery through your abdomen for an abdominal myomectomy or through your vagina and cervix for hysteroscopic myomectomy.
Hysterectomy
During a hysterectomy, your gynecological surgeon removes your uterus. You have three options:
- An abdominal hysterectomy through an incision in your abdomen
- A vaginal hysterectomy through a small incision inside your vagina
- A laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with a series of small incisions in your abdomen, and a laparoscope (tiny camera)
Anterior and posterior (A-P) repair
Anterior and posterior repair surgeries treat pelvic organ prolapse. Your surgeon tightens and repairs supportive muscles to alleviate pain, pressure, and incontinence.
Cystocele, rectocele, enterocele, and perineoplasty repair
These surgeries tighten and repair tissues in your pelvis to treat bladder prolapse (cystocele), large intestine prolapse (rectocele), and small intestine prolapse (enterocele).
Sacrospinous ligament suspension
Sacrospinous ligament suspension is a surgery to treat vaginal canal prolapse.
Bilateral tubal sterilization
During bilateral tubal sterilization, your surgeon makes small incisions in your abdomen to cut and close your fallopian tubes so you can no longer get pregnant.
Sling operation
A sling operation is a surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Your surgeon places a sling made of tissue or mesh to stop you from urinating when you cough, sneeze, or laugh.
For more information about gynecologic surgery or to book your surgical consultation, call V CARE OB/GYN, or book an appointment online today.
