Belgrave, Sue

Definitions

Colposcopy is a procedure in which a lighted magnifying instrument (a colposcope) is used to help examine the tissues of the vulva, vagina and cervix. Colposcopy is often used to check potentiallycancerous areas, usually after a Pap smear test has indicated a possible problem. During the procedure a biopsy may be performed to take a sample of tissue of an abnormal area. Colposcopy also can be used to detect inflammatory or infectious changes, harmless growths, and injuries to the vulva, vagina and cervix.moreGynaecology is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries and vagina, and associated organs andstructures. Gynaecologists treat a wide range of conditions, including cancer and pre-cancerous diseases of the reproductive organs including ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina and vulva; urinary incontinence; painful, heavy or absent menstrual periods; infertility; prolapse of pelvic organs; and infections of the vagina, cervix and uterus.moreLaparoscopy is a group of operations carried out with the aid of a camera inserted into the abdomen or pelvis. A small incision is made in the abdominal wall through which a laparoscope, a shortflexible lighted tube with a camera attached, is inserted so that structures within the abdomen and pelvis can be examined. The abdominal cavity is made more visible by distending it with an absorbable gas, usually carbon dioxide. Laparoscopy may be done to diagnose a condition (called diagnostic laparoscopy). A number of major and minor surgeries may also be carried out. A variety of tubes and instruments can be inserted through the same incision in the skin, or other small incisions, facilitating a number of procedures without the need for a large surgical incision. This technique is known as laparoscopic-assisted surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Most patients receive general anaesthetic during the procedure.more