Minimally Invasive Procedures
Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial Ablation is an alternative procedure to a hysterectomy. This procedure is for women who suffer from heavy periods. The procedure involves altering the lining of the uterus (endometrium), which is the source of bleeding. The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding. This procedure can be conveniently performed in our office or on an out-patient basis.
NovaSure for Treatment of Mehorrhagia — Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
It's called menorrhagia. But you know it as excessive bleeding. If your menstrual bleeding lasts seven days or more, or if it's so heavy you have to change protection nearly every hour, you may have menorrhagia. Not only is it potentially embarrassing, but it can also cause anemia, fatigue, and it can definitely disrupt your life.
The good news is, for women who choose not to have any more children, NovaSure Endometrial Ablation can lessen the severity of your discomfort. NovaSure® is a quick, safe, and simple procedure to lighten or stop your periods, without the side effects of hormones or the risks of hysterectomy. Why choose NovaSure?
- It's Safe: No pills. No hormonal side effects.
- It's Effective: For 90% of women, menstrual bleeding is dramatically reduced or stopped.
- It's Quick: NovaSure® is a one-time, five-minute procedure that can be done in your doctor's office, usually for the cost of a copay.
If you are absolutely sure that you do not want to have any children in the future, and would like to stop your heavy period and restart your life, NovaSure® Endometrial Ablation may be right for you.
NovaSure® does not protect against HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.
NovaSure® is a registered trademark of HOLOGIC.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are common growths in the uterus. Uterine fibroids are usually benign and may or may not cause symptoms. Some fibroids can be bothersome, depending on the size, location, and number of them. The exact cause of fibroids is unknown; however, they appear to be influenced by the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. For most women, these fibroids, even if they're large ones, cause no ill effects. However, for other women, fibroids can generate great discomfort and inconvenience. They can disrupt menstruation (causing heavy bleeding and cramps), cause pain during sex and can even be responsible for miscarriages and infertility. The good news is, fibroids don't have to rule, or ruin, your active life. At the OBGYN Group of Eastern Connecticut, we specialize in treating this common, but often debilitating problem. We would be happy to discuss some of the procedures available to you.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is a common operation that either partially or completely removes the uterus, tubes or ovaries. A hysterectomy may be performed through an abdominal incision (abdominal hysterectomy), or with minimally invasive techniques.
These minimally invasive techniques include vaginal hysterectomy (vaginal incision) or laparoscopic approaches which are done through traditional laparoscopy or robotic techniques. A few common indicators for this type of surgery are cancer, uterine fibroid, abnormal bleeding, and endometriosis. Our highly trained gynecology surgeons can discuss the best option for you.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a procedure used by physicians to explore the abdomen and reproductive organs. It may be used in cases of infertility, tubal sterilization, ectopic pregnancies, and pelvic pain. It also can be used to diagnose endometriosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts. A medical instrument called a laparoscope is attached to a video monitor and allows the physician to examine the abdomen without a large abdominal incision. This procedure is typically associated with less pain and faster recovery.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove uterine fibroids, while preserving the uterus, allowing a woman the option of having future children. The type of myomectomy that is performed depends on such factors as the size, location, and number of uterine fibroids.
Myomectomy can be performed in several ways, including with a laparotomy, da Vinci® robotic surgery, laparoscopy, or hysteroscopy. A laparotomy involves removing a uterine fibroid through an incision in the abdomen. During laparoscopy, your gynecological surgeon inserts a viewing instrument and surgical instruments through very small incisions to remove the fibroid. Laparoscopic surgery is associated with less bleeding, decreased risk of infection, and a faster recovery time than open incision surgery. In some cases, uterine fibroids extend through to the inside the uterine cavity and need to be treated with hysterocopic surgery.
During hysteroscopy, a viewing device and surgical instruments are inserted through the vagina and cervix and through to the inside of the uterus. The fibroids are destroyed with a laser or electrical current. Fibroids that are located extremely deep in the uterine wall may not be able to be removed, but they can be treated to help manage symptoms.
Request An Appointment
Our dedicated staff is eager to assist you! If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (860) 646-1157 or use our online form.