Gynecologic Surgery

 Gynecologic surgery refers to surgery, performed by gynecological surgical specialists, on any part of the female reproductive system. This includes the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vulva and vagina. Surgeries can be performed for a number of benign conditions such as disorders of menstruation (abnormal uterine bleeding), pelvic pain (pelvic endometriosis), uterine fibroids, pelvic prolapse, urinary incontinence, and infertility. Surgery can also be performed for gynecologic cancer. 

 Most gynecologic surgery is done electively, but occasionally surgeries may have to be done on an urgent basis. 

The vast majority of gynecologic surgeries are performed in a hospital-based setting. These procedures can either be done as daycare surgery (with no overnight hospital stay) or as in-patient surgery which would require hospitalization for several days. 

Depending on the indication for surgery, the surgical procedures can be done by open surgical approach (laparotomy) with an abdominal incision; vaginal approach through the vaginal opening; or with a minimally-invasive surgerical approach (laparoscopy or hysteroscopy). 

 

Common gynecologic surgeries

  • Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), ovaries, or other parts of the reproductive system;  

  • Removal of fibroids, cysts or polyps (non-cancerous growths) from the uterus; 

  • Removal of cysts (non-cancerous growths) from the ovary;

  • Removal of growths from the cervix (the lower part of the uterus); 

  • Surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse (uterus, bladder, or bowel); 

  • Tubal ligation (tube tying for sterilization); and  

  • Surgical treatment of gynecologic (ovarian, uterine, and cervical) cancers 

 

All surgical procedures have benefits – but any surgical procedure also carries risks of complications. 

There are risks associated with the anaesthesia. Overall, general anesthesia and regional anaesthesia is very safe. However, those individuals with pre-existing medical health conditions such as advancing age, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity can have an increased risk of anaesthetic complications. Often these individuals would be seen in consultation with the anaesthesia specialist before surgery to optimize their health status. 

There are also specific risks associated with the gynecological surgery. These risks depend upon the indication for the surgery, the surgical approach, and individual patient characteristics and issues. Complications included excessive bleeding (hemorrhage), post-operative infection, and damage to nearby structures such as the bladder and the bowel. There is also the risk of post-operative blood clot formation (DVTs and pulmonary embolism). 

Most women have excellent results following gynecologic surgery. However, each gynecologic surgery is different. Please do not hesitate, at any time, to talk to your gynecologist about any questions or concerns that you may have.