Gynecologic Procedures
Bone Mineral Densitometry
Bone mineral densitometry (BMD) determines the amount of bone and over time can track loss (and the risk of developing osteoporosis) by measuring radiation absorption by the skeleton.
Colposcopy
A colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate abnormal cervical tissue found during a Pap smear.
Cryosurgery of Cervix
Cryosurgery is a freezing technique using nitrous oxide (liquid nitrogen) to destroy abnormal tissue. The procedure is usually performed in the office and requires no anesthesia.
Cystometric Study
A cystometric study evaluates bladder function and can confirm whether a bladder muscle or bladder nerve problem exists.
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is designed to diagnose and evaluate urinary tract injuries, and to provide guidance before and during surgical procedures.
Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation is a procedure in which the uterine lining is destroyed. Currently there are different methods available to achieve this.
Endometrial Biopsy
Endometrial biopsy is a diagnostic test performed in a doctor’s office. The test is used to acquire a small tissue sample of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for further examination.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the most common non-pregnancy related major surgery performed on women in the United States. Approximately 600,000 women undergo this procedure every year. Hysterectomy refers to surgical removal of the uterus. Frequently, the ovaries are removed at the same time. Hysterectomy is widely accepted both by medical professionals and the public as appropriate treatment for uterine cancer and for various common non-cancerous uterine conditions that can produce disabling symptoms of pain, discomfort, uterine bleeding, emotional distress, and related complaints. Yet, while hysterectomy can alleviate uterine problems, less invasive treatments are available for some conditions.
Hysterosalpingogram
Hysterosalpingogram is an outpatient diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the endometrial cavity and fallopian tubes for causes of infertility, or to determine if there is a uterine abnormality.
Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy and Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy and Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy are operations that are performed by passing several instruments through small incision sites in the abdomen in order to remove the uterus. With all the advances and experience in laparoscopic surgery, the Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy is not performed that much anymore by good laparoscopists. Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy is becoming the standard of care for removing the uterus.
Robotically Assisted Surgery
The da Vinci Surgical System has revolutionized the way that surgery is performed. Today’s system provides many advantages, compared to the initial system, developed in the year 2000. It provides the surgeon with a tridimensional view of the visual field, and is being used in several specialties in medicine, including gynecology. It provides the opportunity to perform more complex surgeries minimally invasive (through several small incisions in the abdomen, like a laparoscopy). In addition, since there is no pressure being exerted in the small abdominal incisions, there is less postoperative pain. Gynecological procedures that can be performed with the da Vinci Surgical System include: Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, Myomectomy, Resection and/or Fulguration of Endometriotic Implants, Ovarian Cystectomy (removal of ovarian cyst), Oophorectomy (removal of ovary), Lysis of Adhesions, among others. Dr. López-Benítez does the great majority of his surgeries robotically. It provides him greater surgical precision, while at the same time decreases the patient’s postoperative pain and recovery time.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a surgical instrument similar to a telescope is inserted through a small incision near the belly button into the abdominal cavity.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
LEEP is an outpatient procedure using an instrument that sends a low-voltage electrical current to a fine metal loop. The metal loop cuts and cauterizes abnormal tissue, allowing for safe, relatively bloodless removal of a cone-shaped cervical biopsy.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is the removal of fibroids (myomas) from the smooth muscle lining of the uterus.
Ovarian Cystectomy
Ovarian cystectomy includes two types of surgery: Laparoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to confirm diagnoses and remove benign ovarian cysts. Laparotomy or oophorectomy are open procedures used to remove larger cysts, multiple cysts, or cysts that have ruptured.
Urinary Incontinence and Collagen Implants
Collagen implants are used to treat incontinence when leakage is caused by lack of control or poor control of urine flow from the bladder.
Uterine and Vaginal Prolapse
Each year many women endure pelvic organ support problems (pelvic organ prolapse). There are surgical and non-surgical treatment options. These disorders usually are the result of trauma to the pelvic connective tissue and muscles, and often are the result of childbirth.
Uterine prolapse is when the uterus drops down into the vagina. The distance of the descent of the uterus may vary. Your physician will grade the degree of your prolapse, and treatment options will be dependent on the grade and your symptoms. Mild prolapse may need no treatment. More significant uterine prolapse may cause women to have pelvic pressure, or the sensation that something is “falling out of the vagina.”
Vaginal prolapse can occur after hysterectomy. This is when the highest point of the vagina loses its support and drops within itself. Women with this problem often notice a bulge in the vaginal area and may notice bladder and bowel dysfunction.