About Gynecological Surgical Procedures


As in all of medicine, the main tools of diagnosis are clinical history and examination. Gynecological examination is quite intimate, more so than a routine physical exam. As with all surgical specialties, gynecologists may employ medical or surgical therapies, depending on the exact nature of the problem that they are treating. Pre and post-operative medical management will often employ many standard drug therapies, such as antibiotics, diuretics, antihypertensives, and antiemetics.

Symptoms and Diagnosing


Gynecological symptoms may resemble other medical conditions or urological problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Consult your physician if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Bleeding between periods
  • Frequent and urgent need to urinate
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding, particularly during or after intercourse
  • Pain or pressure in your pelvis that differs from menstrual cramps
  • Itching, burning, swelling, redness, or soreness in the vaginal area
  • Sores or lumps in the genital area
  • Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant or unusual odor, or of an unusual color
  • Pain or discomfort during intercourse

Diagnosis can include:

  • Unexpected pregnancy
  • Fibroid uterus
  • Polyps
  • Endometriosis
  • Perimenopausal
  • Menopausal uterine changes
  • Cysts
  • Tumors

Treatment and Surgical Options


Highly advanced and minimally invasive (thin needle incisions to reduce trauma to the body), gynecological surgical procedures range from hysterectomies, to treating for infertility, to removing often painful compact tumors (also called fibroids).

Common surgical procedures are:

  • Hysteroscopy
  • Laparoscopy
  • Robotic assistance

Benefits of Robotic Surgery


During robotic surgery, your surgeon makes a few small incisions, similar to traditional laparoscopy. Surgery is then performed using the da Vinci® Surgical System, featuring a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and special wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human hand. These features enable your surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity, nd control. The surgeon is in full control of the robotic instruments at all times—the instruments do not move on their own.

Benefits include:

  • Faster recovery time
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Less pain
  • Less scarring
  • Reduced blood loss
  • Shorter hospital stay

Resources


Take an active role in your treatment. Access support and education resources through the FDA’s Healthy Women site, or ask your doctor or medical team for additional educational and support resources in your area.