General surgery

There are a wide range of surgical procedures that have been developed to treat the various conditions that affect the female reproductive organs.

an appointment for general surgery

The vagina is the muscular canal that extends from the opening of the vulva (the external female genitals) to the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. The vagina is the outlet for menstrual blood and is also where the penis is inserted during sexual intercourse.

Some common surgical procedures that are performed on the vagina include:
- Episiotomy. A surgical incision made in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) to expand the opening of the vagina to prevent tearing during delivery.
- Colporrhaphy. Surgical repair of the vagina may be necessary after childbirth, sexual assault, or other injuries.
- Colpotomy. This incision into the wall of the vagina may be used to excise ovarian cysts, perform tubal ligation, or remove uterine fibroids.
- Colposcopy. A colposcope is a specialized instrument used to visualize the vagina and cervix, to diagnose abnormalities, or to test for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells.

The uterus is the hollow, muscular organ at the top of the vagina. The cervix is the neck-shaped opening at the lower part of the uterus, while the fundus is the rounded upper portion. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus; it is where a fertilized egg will implant during the early days of pregnancy. The endometrium normally sheds during each menstrual cycle if the egg released during ovulation has not been fertilized. The myometrium is the middle muscular layer of the uterus; it is the myometrium that rhythmically contracts during labor contractions.

Some common surgical procedures that are performed on the uterus include:
- Myomectomy. A procedure in which myomas (uterine fibroids) are surgically removed from the uterus.
- Cesarean section. A surgical procedure in which incisions are made through the woman's abdomen and uterus to deliver her baby.
- Cervical cerclage. The cervix is stitched closed to prevent a miscarriage or premature birth.
- Cervical cryosurgery. Cryosurgery freezes and destroys an area of the cervix in which precancerous cells have been found.
- Induced abortion. The intentional termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can live independently.
- Hysterectomy. The removal of part or all of the uterus may be done to treat uterine cancer, fibroid tumors, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, or other conditions of the uterus.
- Hysterotomy. This incision into the uterus is done during a cesarean section, open fetal surgery, and some second-trimester abortions.
- Dilatation and curettage. D&C is a gynecological procedure in which the cervix is dilated (expanded) and the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is scraped away.