Gynecological Surgery

Periodic examinations, continual following and monitoring of the female reproductive system are routine for adult women, girls and adolescent females. At Herzliya Medical Center Private Hospital, gynecology specialists with many years of experience perform examinations and treatments and operations in the field of gynecology every year.

We have summarized here important information about gynecological surgery, in order to provide you with some more understanding and knowledge on this topic.

What is defined as gynecological surgery?

Any surgical procedure that involves and affects the female reproductive system is considered to be gynecological surgery: operations to remove malignant tumors in the uterus, fallopian tube or ovary; operations connected to the pelvic floor; termination of pregnancy, plastic surgery of the vagina – all these are considered to be gynecological surgery.

Various tests performed during the routine pregnancy tracking (amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling) are also considered to be gynecological surgical procedures. Even though some of these tests are not actual operations, they are nevertheless invasive procedures, and thus fall under this definition.

Gynecological surgery due to problems with the reproductive system

The multiplicity of organs and the complexity in the female reproductive system will not infrequently lead to problems that will require preventative surgery. One of the most common is the occurrence of cysts – a type of mucosal sac – on the ovaries and in the uterus, which often necessitates an operation to remove them, in order to prevent damage to internal organs. These problems will usually be solved by means of laparoscopic operations and diagnoses.

In quite a few cases, these cysts are found to be cancerous, and the operations becomes very urgent. Cervical cancer is also a lesion that can occur in many women, and unfortunately, operations to remove malignant tumors from the region of the uterus are generally not so rare.

But it would appear that the most common surgical procedures in the world of gynecology are operations connected to the pelvic floor – which ten percent of women will require some time during their lives. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that assists with the function of the sphincters. For various reasons (including childbirth), these muscles weaken to the point of incontinence, mainly during exertion.

Gynecological surgery connected to pregnancy

During all the stages of pregnancy tracking, quite a few tests are performed to closely examine the development of the unborn baby. The objective of these tests is to confirm that the condition of the unborn baby is good and that it is developing properly, without suffering nutritional problems, delayed development of organs/limbs, genetic defects or congenital abnormalities.

The most well known tests are genetic tests – amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). The former is done by introducing a thin needle via the abdominal wall, and the latter is usually done via the vagina, like a regular gynecological examination. However, on occasion chorionic villus sampling is also done by introducing a needle via the abdominal wall.

If there are fertility problems, whether due to a problem in the female reproductive system or due to male infertility, the gynecologist can perform in vitro fertilization. In this case, the egg is retrieved from the woman’s body and artificially fertilized, in the laboratory, using the man’s sperm (which is also retrieved in advance). After initial development, the embryo is introduced into the woman’s body, for continued normal pregnancy.

An additional type of gynecological surgery pertains to the sad part of this subject: termination of pregnancy. In this case (after approval of the woman only and in counsel with the Pregnancy Termination Committee), it is the gynecologist who performs the termination of pregnancy – abortion. It may be performed in two ways: either my means of administration of appropriate medicines or by means of curettage.

Aesthetic gynecological surgery

Many women wish to undergo cosmetic gynecological surgery, i.e. plastic surgery of the external part of the vagina or of structures close to the vaginal opening. There are several reasons for this, the two main ones being improvement of the appearance of the external part of the vagina (by reshaping the labia and clitoris) and improvement of pleasure from sexual intercourse (by changing the anatomy of the vagina).

A private operation at Herzliya Medical Center assures you of careful gynecological care and continuous monitoring of your health status. With the option of a private hospital room, skilled and experienced staff, highest quality physicians and professional consultation, you will be able to undergo gynecological surgery without worry, anticipating rapid recovery and return to your routine as early as possible.