Laparoscopy is a method for evaluating and treating various conditions in the abdomen and pelvis with minimal invasiveness. Use of laparoscopy can help avoid large incisions, decrease pain, decrease scarring, shorten recovery periods, and get you back to your life quickly and safely. Our surgeons have performed all major abdominal procedures through the laparoscope. Some examples are:
The surgeons at Carteret Ob/Gyn are all very experienced at performing female sterilization using various techniques. This can be accomplished either through laparoscopy, during cesarean section, or with hysteroscopy using the Essure system. Non permanent contraceptive methods are also available at Carteret Ob/Gyn Associates
Performing hysterectomy through the laparoscope offers the advantage of very short recovery times and much less pain. Women are often back to work in 2-3 weeks instead of the usual 6 weeks. Some studies suggest better sexual function compared to total hysterectomy during the first two years after the procedure. In this procedure the uterus is removed from its attachments to the cervix then removed from the abdomen using special techniques and instruments through incisions smaller than an inch. This procedure is not appropriate for everyone. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn provider can help you decide what is right for you.
Hysterectomy is a procedure in which the uterus is removed. This can be performed many different ways. Abdominal hysterectomy is performed through an incision in the low abdomen. This is the traditional way to perform this procedure and is still the most appropriate for some women. Anatomy and disease processes dictate the most appropriate route for hysterectomy. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn physicians are experienced in the various routes for hysterectomy and can help you decide what is right for you.
Laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy is a procedure that combines different surgical techniques to allow for the least invasive approach to total hysterectomy. The laparoscope is used to remove the uterus and sometimes the fallopian tubes and ovaries from their attachments in the upper pelvis. They are then removed through the vagina. Hospital stays and recovery periods are typically shorter than abdominal hysterectomy. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn provider is experienced in the various techniques and can help guide you to the right option for you.
Total hysterectomy can be performed entirely through the vagina in some people. This allows you to have the uterus and cervix removed but without a large abdominal incision. Recovery times and hospital stays are typically much shorter than abdominal hysterectomy. Post operative pain is also typically much less than after abdominal hysterectomy. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn physician is experienced in the various techniques for hysterectomy and can help you decide what is right for you.
There are a number of conditions which can be surgically corrected through the vagina. Examples include cystocele, rectocele, uterine prolapse, and urinary incontinence. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn physicians are experienced in correcting these conditions through the vagina, reducing the need for more extensive operations. Discuss your symptoms with your Carteret Ob/Gyn provider and together you can decide what is right for you.
A cystocele is a condition in which the bladder protrudes down and sometimes even out of the vagina. It can cause pressure and discomfort in this area and can effect urination. It is caused by a loss of strength of the supporting tissues holding up the bladder. In essence it is a hernia of the bladder. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn physician is experienced in repairing this condition by returning the strong tissue back into place to support the bladder. If the supporting tissue does not have enough integrity, synthetic mesh may be used to add support.
A rectocele is a condition in which the rectum protrudes down and sometimes even out of the vagina. It can cause pressure and discomfort in this area and can affect bowel movements. It is caused by a loss of strength of the supporting tissues holding up the rectum. In essence it is a hernia of the rectum. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn physician is experienced in repairing this condition by returning the strong tissue back into place to support the rectum. If the supporting tissue does not have enough integrity, synthetic mesh may be used to add support.
For women with heavy menstrual flow that disrupts normal activities, endometrial ablation may be the optimal choice. This is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the lining of the womb thereby decreasing or eliminating menstrual flow. It is typically performed on an outpatient basis and recovery time is minimal. This procedure is not appropriate for all conditions that cause heavy bleeding and some preliminary testing is often performed in the office. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn provider can tell you if this option is right for you.
Various procedures can be done in a minimally invasive manner using laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a technique which uses a small scope placed just below the belly button to view the organs of the abdomen and pelvis. Other small openings can be made for instruments to do procedures in the pelvis and abdomen. This minimally invasive approach results in much less pain post operatively and much shorter recovery periods. Often people are back to their normal routine in a few days rather than a few weeks required by larger incisions. Operations that can be done through the laparoscope include, evaluation of pelvic pain, treatment of endometriosis, treatment of scar tissue, removal of ovaries and ovarian cysts, sterilization, even hysterectomy. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn provider can tell you whether your situation is appropriate for minimally invasive approaches.
Hysteroscopy is a procedure used to view the inside of the uterus. It uses a narrow scope placed inside the uterus to visualize the contents and treat many conditions found there. This allows many women to have a simple outpatient procedure rather than hysterectomy. Recovery times are typically only a day or two and post operative pain is often limited to minor cramping. Examples of conditions that may be treated hysteroscopically include leiomyomas (fibroid tumors) found in the uterine cavity, polyps found in the uterine cavity, and uterine lining that has grown too thick. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn provider can tell you whether hysteroscopy is right for your individual situation.
3511 John Platt Drive
Morehead City, NC 28557
252-247-4297