Laparoscopic Vaginal Surgery

Dr Aneeqah Hendricks is a competent gynaecological surgeon. Besides performing caesareans, Doctor also performs laparoscopic vaginal surgery. If you have pain, a history of pelvic infection, or symptoms suggestive of a disorder, Dr may recommend a laparoscopy as part of your evaluation. A laparoscopy specifically for the pelvic area in women is called a hysteroscopy.

A hysteroscopy is used as a tool to both diagnose and to operate. The procedure can help diagnose and treat conditions such as infertility, and common gynaecological disorders such as abnormal bleeding, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, adhesions, the identification and removal of polyps, and ectopic pregnancy.

A hysteroscopy is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anaesthesia. It is done using a hysteroscope, which is a narrow tube that has a small telescope and a light attached to it. It is inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and inside of the uterus. If an abnormal condition is identified a hysteroscopic surgery can be performed. The surgery involves inserting additional instruments such as probes, scissors, biopsy forceps, electrosurgical or laser instruments, and suture materials through two or more additional incisions, thus avoiding the need for a second surgery.

A hysterectomy is an operation in which a woman's uterus is removed. Depending on the reason for the hysterectomy, Dr may choose to remove all or only part of the uterus. A woman may require a hysterectomy for different reasons, including:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids that cause pain, bleeding, or other problems
• Uterine prolapse - the sliding of the uterus from its normal position into the vaginal canal
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Adenomyosis, or a thickening of the uterus
• Cancer of the cervix, uterus or ovaries

Performing a hysterectomy for medical reasons other than cancer is usually only considered after all other treatment approaches have been tried without success.