Gynecologic surgery is any operation or procedure involving your reproductive organs. Surgery is commonly used for treatment of heavy periods, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain, including endometriosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts.

In the past, traditional surgery meant large incisions and a lengthy recovery time. Now, we can do most gynecologic surgeries and procedures using minimally invasive techniques.

The surgeon may make small incisions in the skin to access the abdomen. Or they may do the surgery through the vagina.

These cutting-edge techniques offer several advantages over traditional open surgery. These often include:

• Fewer complications
• Faster recovery
• Less pain
• Smaller incisions
• Less scar tissue

Some of the common gynecologic surgeries at Carilion include:

• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus. Doctors may perform a hysterectomy vaginally or with through the abdomen.
• Surgical hysteroscopy: A surgeon can operate through the vagina into the uterus to treat some issues with the lining of the uterus such as heavy vaginal bleeding or fibroids.  
• Ovarian cystectomy: Often a less invasive surgery. The surgeon removes cysts or masses on the ovaries through small cuts.
• Tubal ligation or removal: This is a permanent form of birth control, also called sterilization. Ligation is known as “getting your tubes tied.” Doctors close off or remove the fallopian tubes.
• Urogynecology surgery: Less invasive surgery, often to repair pelvic organ prolapse or treat incontinence. A urologist may also do some of these surgeries.
• Myomectomy: Surgery to remove uterine fibroids without removing the uterus. Doctors sometimes remove fibroids using lasers instead of surgery.
• Uterine ablation: A procedure to treat heavy bleeding frequently performed through a hysteroscope. Ablation destroys the lining of the uterus without affecting hormone levels.
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): LEEP removes abnormal tissue from the cervix to test for cervical cancer.
• Cancer surgery: Surgery is one of the main treatments for gynecologic cancers. We may use surgery in many ways, including to diagnose your cancer, to see how far it has spread and to remove it.

Our doctors typically start with the most conservative treatments. Often lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medicine is enough to solve the problem. But sometimes surgery is the best option.

Gynecologic surgery might be right for you if you have a history of:

• Abnormal uterine or postmenopausal bleeding
• Painful, irregular periods or pain with sex
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids or anomalies
• Cysts on the ovaries or fallopian tubes
• Disorders of the vulva
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Infertility

If surgery is necessary, we opt for minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. That means smaller incisions and less downtime for you. Many of our gynecological surgeries are outpatient procedures, meaning you go home the same day. 

Before

You’ll meet with one of our doctors to help you make an informed decision about your care. For this pre-op appointment, you should prepare a list of questions. It may be helpful to bring a friend or loved one with you to take notes.

If you smoke, you should try to quit at least 4 weeks before surgery. Ask your doctor whether you should stop taking any medicines, and if so, when.

If you’re having outpatient surgery, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home.

During

Depending on what type of procedure you’re having, you’ll receive general anesthesia or sedation so you don’t feel pain. Your doctor may give you an anti-nausea patch to wear. They may give you antibiotics to ward off infection.

After

After surgery, you may feel groggy, chilled, and uncomfortable. But you shouldn’t feel much pain.

Our nurses will encourage you to get up and walk around as soon as possible. Being active will aid your healing. Your care team will go over instructions for recovering from surgery. Once home, it may take up to a month to heal completely, depending on what kind of surgery you had. 

You’ll return for a follow-up visit within a few weeks.

There are slight risks involved with any surgery, including gynecologic procedures. These are rare but include:

• Heavy bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Blood clots in the legs
• Damage to another pelvic organ, such as bladder or bowel
• Breathing or heart problems (from a reaction to general anesthesia)