Gynecological Services/Procedures

Deciphering complex medical jargon and terminology can sometimes feel overwhelming, and can add to the stress of dealing with a health complication or undergoing a medical procedure. At Women’s Medical Center, P.C., located in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, our team of board certified Obstetricians/Gynecologists understand the importance of patient education, and will take the time to inform you about your gynecological treatment and procedural options in a clear, easily understandable way—never talking down to you, but making sure you feel confident and comfortable with any procedure you are planning to undergo.

Below you will find information on some of the specialized diagnostic and corrective gynecological procedures performed at the Women’s Medical Center, P.C. If you think you may be a good candidate for one of these procedures, or would like additional information about any of our OBGYN services, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman’s uterus, and can be performed using a number of different techniques.In contrast to standard abdominal hysterectomy techniques, which involve a large abdominal incision and a minimum 6-week recovery, minimally invasive hysterectomy is performed entirely through the vagina, or using a laparoscope (laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy — LAVH or total laparoscopic hysterectomy – TLH), which reduces the recovery time to less than two weeks and involves only small “keyhole” incisions in the navel or abdomen.

Hysteroscopy/Fibroid Resection

A hysteroscopy can be performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation and allows your treatment provider to closely study the uterine lining and to take a biopsy (small sample of tissue) if further analysis is required. Hysteroscopy procedures can be utilized for both diagnostic and treatment purposes, including:

• Open blocked fallopian tubes
• Fibroid resection: location and removal of small polyps or uterine fibroids that are present on the inside of the womb (uterus), in the uterine lining
• Screen for endometrial cancer
• Diagnosis as to the cause of the patient’s infertility and/or miscarriages
• Detection and treatment of intense cramping and bleeding during menstruation
• Location and adjustment of a dislodged intrauterine device (IUD)

Urinary Incontinence Surgery/Transobturator Tape Surgery (TOT)

Transobturator tape placement (TOT) is a treatment option for patients suffering from stress incontinence. During this surgical procedure, mesh (prolene) tape is placed underneath the urethra, where it serves as a layer of support so that the urethra remains closed off even when the patient is laughing, coughing, sneezing and exercising (typical activities that trigger urine leakage in patients with stress incontinence).

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery

Surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse is typically performed through the vagina or an abdominal incision, and may utilize either the patient’s own tissue or an artificial material to reinforce the structural support.  The procedure needed to correct prolapse depends on the type of prolapse that is found on exam.    Pelvic organ prolapse surgery can help to manage symptoms such as: incontinence; drooping or sagging of the vagina or uterus into the vaginal canal; and painful intercourse.

Tubal Ligation—Single Port

Laparoscopic tubal ligation is a surgical form of permanent sterilization. During the procedure, the fallopian tubes are surgically blocked, clamped, or severed and sealed to prevent future egg fertilization.

Endometrial Ablation (EA)

• NOVASURE^® Endometrial Ablation (EA): employs the use of radiofrequency energy to remove the uterine lining (endometrium), thereby reducing or stopping menstruation, and treating the symptoms of menorrhagia (heavy periods) without hormones or hysterectomy. During this 5-10 minute outpatient procedure, your treatment provider will insert a triangular device into the uterus, and will deliver carefully measured radio frequency energy through the mesh for approximately 90 seconds. Patients may resume their normal daily activities immediately after the EA procedure concludes—there are no hormonal side effects, and 77.7% of women experience a significant reduction or complete stoppage of menstrual bleeding after endometrial ablation.
• GYNECARE THERMACHOICE^® Global Endometrial Ablation (GEA): the Thermachoice Uterine Balloon Therapy System is utilized to remove the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and treat the symptoms of menorrhagia (heavy periods). Under local anesthesia, your treatment provider will insert a small silicone balloon into your uterus, which is then filled with fluid and gently heated to treat the lining of your uterus, effectively resolving the symptoms of heavy periods.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

This surgical procedure involves the use of a thin viewing tube (laparoscope) passed through a small incision in the abdomen to view a woman’s reproductive organs. Laparoscopy is often performed when other tests (i.e. X-ray, ultrasound) have not been able to diagnose a gynecological health issue. Laparoscopy testing can help to confirm a diagnosis of endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); ascertain a blockage of the fallopian tubes; examine a tissue mass; or determine the cause of pelvic or abdominal pain.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

The HSG procedure is a diagnostic test performed in an attempt to determine the underlying cause of a patient’s infertility (difficulty becoming pregnant). This outpatient procedure involves the injection of a dye through a thin tube that passes through the vagina and into the uterus. X-ray pictures are taken as the dye passes through the uterus and fallopian tubes, which highlights the presence of problems such as an injury or infection; structural abnormalities; and dilation or blockages of the uterus or fallopian tubes. HSG testing can also help to determine the presence of polyps, adhesions, fibroids, or foreign objects in the uterus, all of which can trigger miscarriages or painful menstrual periods. Although HSG is not a therapeutic procedure, occasionally the dye utilized during the procedure will push through and open a blocked fallopian tube, rendering further treatment unnecessary.

Contact Women’s Medical Center, P.C.

When choosing a women’s healthcare provider, it is important to select a practice that is equipped to deliver a broad range of long-term gynecological and reproductive services, rather than simply providing cursory solutions to your immediate concerns. At the Women’s Medical Center, PC, we are committed to forging lasting relationships with our patients, and to providing superior patient care that evolves and adapts to meet your changing healthcare needs. As your gynecological and reproductive requirements shift and change over time, the Women’s Medical Center staff will be there for you at every turn—offering support, education, and guidance to help you make the best possible decisions pertaining to your gynecological and reproductive health.

If you would like additional information about any of the gynecological procedures offered at the Women’s Medical Center, P.C., please contact our office today. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial appointment with one of our exceptional OBGYN specialists.