Posts Tagged ‘Cervix’

The Women’s Specialists of Plano, Texas (http://obgynplano.com) put together this informational sheet on Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.  They treat women—most commonly under the age of 35—who suffer from this gynecological disease. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or P.I.D. as it is commonly referred to, is an uncomfortable and at times deadly disease that affects a small percentage of women during their childbearing years. The symptoms of P.I.D. can be painful and very uncomfortable. It’s important for women to understand what P.I.D. is, how it is transmitted, treated and what they can do to prevent themselves from getting it.

Q. What is P.I.D?

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and other reproductive organs that is caused by the transmission of foreign bacteria. It is a potentially serious complication that can lead to damage of the reproductive organs, miscarriage, and infertility.

Q. How Common is P.I.D.

It is estimated that approximately 750,000 women within the United States are affected by P.I.D. each year. It is most common among women with multiple sex partners, and least common among women in monogamous relationships. Women in their childbearing years (under the age 25) that are sexually active are at a higher risk of contracting P.I.D. than women over 25 years of age. A woman who has previously been diagnosed with P.I.D. is at a heightened risk of contracting the disease again.

Q. How Does a Woman Contract P.I.D?

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is initiated when a foreign bacteria moves through the opening in a woman’s cervix and up into the reproductive organs. The disease can be contracted many different ways, but is most commonly caused by: The STD’s Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, Douching, and Intrauterine Devices.

Q. What are the Symptoms of P.I.D?

P.I.D commonly goes unnoticed in its early stages, even though it may be causing great damage to a woman’s reproductive organs. Common symptoms of P.I.D. as the disease progresses include:

• Lower Abdominal Pain
• Fever
• Foul Smelling Discharge
• Pain during Intercourse
• Irregular Menstruation

If the disease is not found and treated promptly, P.I.D. can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, severe pain, and death.

Q. How is P.I.D. Treated?

Antibiotics are used to treat P.I.D. although they cannot reverse any damage that may have already taken place inside the female reproductive organs. In most cases the antibiotics will cure all symptoms associated with disease as long as the medication is taken as prescribed. If a woman is sexual active prior to being treated for P.I.D the woman’s partner(s) should also be treated as they may also be infected with the bacteria, though they may not have symptoms.

A woman may have to receive inpatient treatment via the hospital is she is experiencing high fever, is pregnant, or is experiencing a tubal pregnancy as a result of P.I.D.

Q. How Can Women Protect Themselves From P.I.D?

The best answer to this question is to abstain from sexual intercourse, unless you are sure your partner is uninfected by any STD. It has been found that woman in a monogamous relationship are at a much lower risk of contracting the disease than those who have multiple partners. If abstinence is not an option for you, then it is important to make use of protection such as condoms. Condoms have been shown to help prevent the transmission of STDs though they are not 100% effective.

If a woman noticing any unusual symptoms (such as: irregular period, a genital sore, or foul smelling discharge) she should consult her OBGYN immediately. P.I.D. can be prevented if an STD can be treated before it causes serious complications.

And last but not least, any sexually active woman should be screened for STDs regularly and thoroughly.

According to the Women’s Specialists of Plano (www.obgynplano.com 972.379.2416) (Plano, TX), women have more options than ever before concerning hysterectomy treatment.  In the current year, 1 in 600,000 women will undergo a hysterectomy. For some, it will be a necessary procedure in order to cure a life-threatening condition such as cancer, severe infections or uncontrollable bleeding. For others, it will be an option to help ease the symptoms of certain conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain or uterine prolapse.  When a hysterectomy seems like the right choice, it helps to know the facts and the alternatives that are available so that you can make the right choice for you and for your situation.

What is a hysterectomy?

The uterus is the pair shaped, hollow organ that resides in the pelvis and is what holds a baby during pregnancy.  When a woman has a hysterectomy either all or a part of the uterus is removed. Depending on the reason for the hysterectomy, a woman may have either a complete or total hysterectomy where both the uterus and the cervix are removed, a partial hysterectomy (sometimes called a supracervical hysterectomy) where the upper portion of the uterus is removed but the cervix remains, or a radial hysterectomy where the entire uterus, cervix and a portion of the vagina are removed.    In the majority of cases, a woman will choose to undergo a total hysterectomy.

How are Hysterectomies Performed?

Traditional hysterectomy surgical procedures are still divided into abdominal and vaginal.  Most women can be candidates for all three; but depending on the size of the uterus, tumor, condition, etc., one may be a better option than the other.  Below, is a breakdown of the types of hysterectomies-each are considered traditional hysterectomy procedures:

• Laparoscopic: Using this method, 3 to 4 tiny incisions are made into the abdomen through which a slim, lighted, telescope instrument called a laparoscope, along with small surgical instruments, are inserted. These tools will essentially work to remove the uterus.  This method usually requires a couple of days or less in the hospital and recovery can take up to 4 weeks.

• Vaginal: This hysterectomy method is not visible to the naked eyes.  It uses a small incision inside the vagina to remove the uterus and other organs (if needed) and typically requires 1-2 days in the hospital and up to a 4-week recovery period.

• Abdominal (also known as Open): This hysterectomy method is the most invasive of all hysterectomies.  It requires either a vertical or horizontal incision just above the pubic bone to remove the uterus and cervix (and in some cases, other surrounding organs). This particular hysterectomy will require a longer hospital stay and is performed under general anesthesia with a recovery period up to 6 weeks.

What About the Robotic Hysterectomy?

da Vinci robotic surgery is revolutionizing the way certain procedures are performed, including a hysterectomy. Using the robotic technique, hysterectomies are being document to be more effective, easier to perform, offer a quicker recovery and are dramatically less invasive than a traditional surgical hysterectomy.

Using small incisions and then inserting miniature medical instruments and a 3D camera into the patient, the surgeon is able to maneuver the tools and seamlessly translate the movement of the fingers, wrist and hand from a separate nearby console.  All of these real-time movements are performed under a magnified, high-resolution, 3D image of the uterus.  While not all gynecological practices and groups offer this technology, the Women’s Specialists of Plano have for many years.  They feel that the investment, training, and practice that it takes to fully understand and become skilled at robotic surgery is worth it.

While robotic surgery seems like the best option for women who are candidates, one drawback is the availability of the technology.  “The da Vinci robotic surgical technique is truly the only available gynecological technology that can provide surgeons with the innate control, range of motion, fine tissue handling and 3D visualization that is characteristic of open surgery—but producing vastly different recovery times. Unfortunately, this technique takes practice, hands on experience, time to master and a nice size investment; thus, it is not offered by all gynecological groups,” says Dr. Daryl Greebon.

What Experienced Physicians Have To Say:  Robotic Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery

In a recent roundtable discussion led by the Women’s Specialists of Plano, recovery is the major difference between a robotic hysterectomy vs. traditional surgery.  During this discussion, all five of the doctors that make up this highly specialized group of gynecologists discussed the types of hysterectomies and the differences. In general the recovery from a robotic hysterectomy is the same as a traditional hysterectomy, just faster.  They divide recovery into three phases:

• How fast a patient comes out of the anesthesia
• How soon a patient gains back strength
• How soon a patient gains stamina

According to Dr. Murray Fox, “With a traditional hysterectomy, the first two recovery phases take 18 to 24 hours each.  The third takes 3 – 6 weeks; with robotic surgery the first two take 6 to 18 hours and the third, just 7 – 14 days.”

Dr. Dennis Eisenberg can usually see the differences almost immediately after the surgery is performed and the patient has returned back for their post-op visit. “Side effects post-op for all types of hysterectomies will be similar, but with the robotic hysterectomy, they are smaller and minimalized.  My patients will often commend the fact that they had less pain and were quicker to return to normal function than their friends who have undergone traditional surgery.”

Dr. Daryl Greebon and Julies Monier also agree that the robotic surgery might not be for everyone, but that for those who are candidates, it is generally the more preferred option, “As far as effectiveness, each type of hysterectomy works well. Some are better in certain situations.  For instance, we have found that heavier women actually do better with the robotic technique because we can see better.  However, this particularly type of woman presents more problems for anesthesia with the robot, so she needs to be in reasonably good health to have this procedure.”

Regarding da Vinci robotic surgery vs. traditional surgery, they continue to say, “Scarring can occur with any surgery but scarring has proven to be much less noticeable with robotic which is a significant advantage since intraabdominal scarring can lead to complications with future surgeries, or cause problems such as bowel obstruction.”

While the da Vinci robotic hysterectomy technology has certainly taken the medical profession by storm, it will take time before it appears in the offices of most physicians. Training and consistent use are two key ingredients that will make the adoption a success. The Women’s Specialists of Plano in Plano, TX feel the training, price tag and commitment are not only justified, but also invaluable in terms of what they can offer their patients.  It is also up to each patient, in cooperation with their surgeon, to determine whether a robotic surgery vs. traditional surgery is in their best interest.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Author: Dr Daryl Greebon
Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Many women experience these non-cancerous tumors, which can require hysterectomies

A lot of women wonder just exactly what uterine fibroids are. They’re usually non-cancerous tumors that develop within the uterus, and 15-20 percent of women in their reproductive years and 30-40 percent of women older than 30 may suffer from uterine fibroids.

Why should women know about fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are the most prevalent pelvic tumor, but the cause of uterine fibroid tumors is unknown. Not all women with fibroids experience symptoms; however some women ache and have significant menstrual bleeding. In addition, fibroids can place pressure on the bladder, triggering frequent urination.

Fibroids may grow as a single growth or in groups. Fibroids vary in size from very small to eight inches in diameter. The growth of a fibroid typically depends on the hormone estrogen. Once a woman develops a fibroid, the fibroid usually continues to grow throughout her menstruation years.

Women who do not experience symptoms associated with their fibroids may not require treatment. Fibroids may even shrink after menopause, but if heavy bleeding or pain occurs, a hysterectomy may be required. Uterine fibroids are the main reason hysterectomies are performed.

What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy involves surgically removing the uterus, and sometimes the cervix and/or ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after cesarean section, hysterectomy is the second most frequently performed major surgical procedure for women of reproductive age in the United States. Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the U.S., and an estimated 20 million U.S. women have had a hysterectomy.

Although some women are wary of having surgery to relieve symptoms because of the down time they may experience, new technology is available that enables the removal of uterine fibroids and hysterectomies to be performed less invasively, leading to shorter hospital stays. For hysterectomies that may be difficult to perform as a vaginal procedure and would otherwise require an abdominal hysterectomy, the “da Vinci® Surgical System” offers an alternative.

This new robotic technology offers numerous potential benefits over traditional surgery, including less pain and scarring, less risk of infection, and faster recovery. It also may decrease the risk of blood loss that can occur during a hysterectomy. This new technology is available to Collin County and other area residents at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, located near President George Bush Turnpike and Preston Road.

About the Author:

A member of the Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano medical staff, Daryl Greebon, M.D., gynecologist, graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He went on to serve his internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Greebon is a board certified OBGYN practicing with Women’s Specialists of Plano. www.obgynplano.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Understanding Uterine Fibroids