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Patient Education Topics

Gathered here are a collection of incisive articles, created for women, to focus on subjects relating to women's physical and emotional health and well-being. Topics under gynecologic conditions include causes, diagnosis, symptoms and possible treatment options of various issues in gynecologic health. Topics under the treatment category include a description of techniques and procedures in treatment options of gynecologic conditions.

It is our hope that this section may serve as a resource, helping you to be an informed partner in your own healthcare. The information is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic treatment.  While the information has been carefully reviewed, it is not intended to take the place of a discussion with your physician. The AAGL encourages you to contact your own physician for the appropriate care and treatment of your health.

The development of this patient education was supported by unrestricted educational grants by the healthcare companies listed below. We appreciate their support in allowing the AAGL to continue its mission to educate you about the quality healthcare options that are available.

American Medical Systems
Boston Scientific
Conceptus
Ethicon Endo-Surgery
Ethicon Women's Health & Urology
Intuitive Surgical
Karl Storz Endoscopy, America

CONDITIONS | TREATMENTS

Cryotherapy
Cystectomy
D&C
Endometrial Ablation
Fibroid Treatments
Hysterectomy
Hysteroscopy
Incontinence Treatments
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy, the inspection of the pelvic organs through a tiny telescopic camera that projects a magnified view on a video monitor, can be used to diagnose abdominal and pelvic disorders and in some cases to treat them as well. 

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.  Once the patient is asleep, access into the abdomen is obtained through the navel and a harmless gas such as carbon dioxide is used to inflate the abdominal cavity and create a safe working space.

If problems such as adhesions (scar tissue), endometriosis, ovarian cysts or an ectopic pregnancy are encountered, laparoscopic surgery can be performed to remove them.

References
 

  1. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy: A guide for patients. Patient Information Series 2006. www.asrm.org/Patients/patientbooklets/laparoscopy.pdf
  2. Parker WH. A Gynecologist's Second Opinion. 2003; A Plume Book; Published by the Penguin Group, New York, NY.

Reviewed: March 2008.

Laparotomy
Laser Surgery
LEEP (Loop Exectrosurgical Excision Precedure)
Oophorectomy
Operative Hysteroscopy
Ovarian Vein Embolization
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Treatment
Polypectomy
Presacral Neurectomy
Sterilization
Transcervial Resection of The Endometrium