Sharma, Anil

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.moreEndometriosis is a common condition in which small pieces of the uterus (womb) lining, known as the endometrium, are found outside the uterus. This could be in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder,bowel, vagina, rectum and other places. Endometriosis may not produce any symptoms, or it may commonly cause painful menstruation, and pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or lower back. It may also lead to infertility. Those between age 25 and 40 are most affected. It is a long-term condition with no known cure, but symptoms can be managed and fertility improved with pain medication, hormone treatment or surgery, so that the condition does not interfere with daily life.moreGynaecological laparoscopic surgery is a procedure to examine and treat problems with a woman’s reproductive organs and other pelvic organs. Under general anaesthetic, a small viewing instrument(laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen at the navel. Other instruments may be inserted through other small cuts in the lower abdomen. While watching a video monitor, the surgeon can: look for the cause of any symptoms; remove scar tissue or other abnormal tissue; repair or remove part or all of the ovaries or fallopian tubes; remove an abnormal pelvic mass or ovarian cyst; look for the spread of cancer and perform a biopsy; remove lymph nodes or pelvic organs; evaluate and treat infertility; remove the uterus (hysterectomy); remove uterine fibroids (myomectomy); carry out sterilisation (tubal ligation); treat sudden, severe pelvic pain; treat a tubal pregnancy; and remove uterine tissue found outside the uterus in the abdomen (endometriosis). The average time of surgery depends on the procedure performed.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.moreLaparoscopic surgery, also known as ‘keyhole surgery’, is 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 alaparoscope, a flexible 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. A number of major and minor surgeries may be carried out. A variety of tubes and long, narrow instruments can be inserted through the same incision in the skin, or via other small incisions, facilitating a number of procedures without the need for a large surgical incision. The surgeon uses these instruments to manipulate, cut and sew tissue. A number of procedures can be performed laparoscopically, including gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy), oesophageal surgery (laparoscopic fundoplication), colon surgery (laparoscopic colectomy), and surgery on the stomach and spleen. Most patients receive general anaesthetic during the procedure.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.moreMenopause is the period in a woman’s life, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, when her ovaries stop producing eggs as well as less oestrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether. The symptoms of menopause are caused by changes in levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Specific symptoms and severity varies from woman to woman. Menopause symptoms may last five years or longer. Common symptoms include: heart pounding or racing; hot flashes; night sweats; skin flushing; and sleeping problems. There may be a variety of additional symptoms, including: headaches; joint aches and pains; mood swings, irritability and depression; vaginal dryness and painful sex; and decreased interest in sex. One management option is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It may not be suitable for all women as HRT carries the risk of developing breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. Ways of reducing the risk and still getting the benefits of HRT may be required. As alternatives to HRT, there are medications available to help with mood swings, hot flashes and other symptoms. These include low doses of some antidepressants. Acupuncture has also proved successful for some women. Symptoms may also be reduced by lifestyle changes, including: avoiding caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods; dressing lightly and in layers; regular exercise, and using relaxation techniques; Kegel exercises to strengthen vaginal and pelvic muscles; and remaining sexually active.moreObstetrics is concerned with managing pregnancy, labour and the puerperium (the time after delivery). This involves routine monitoring, check-ups and tests. Some factors present before a womanbecomes pregnant can cause a high-risk pregnancy, including: young or old maternal age; being overweight or underweight; problems in previous pregnancies; and pre-existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or HIV.moreUrogynaecology involves treatment of women with pelvic floor disorders such as urinary or faecal incontinence (leakage of urine or faeces) and prolapse (bulging, sagging or falling) of the vagina,bladder and/or the uterus (womb). Urinary incontinence is a very common condition affecting at least 10–20 per cent of women under age 65 and over half of women over the age of 65. Prolapse can occur quickly, but usually happens over the course of many years. Prolapse and incontinence frequently occur together.moreHysteroscopic surgery or hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure for viewing the lining and interior of the uterus (womb). A flexible visualising scope is inserted through the vagina and intothe cervical opening to view the uterus, including the openings to the fallopian tubes, as well as to examine the cervix, cervical canal and vagina. Hysteroscopy may be performed to diagnose or treat abnormalities of the uterus or cervix. It is used to evaluate a range of problems, including: abnormal vaginal bleeding; retained placenta after a birth; scarring, or adhesions, from previous uterine surgery or instrumentation; and polyps or fibroid tumours inside the cervical canal or the uterus. During hysteroscopy samples of tissue may be taken for analysis (biopsy). Hysteroscopy can also be used to perform surgical sterilisation.moreContinence management means managing any loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence). Incontinence can occur in children and adults. Urinary incontinence is common and may have a range ofcauses, including as a result of an underlying treatable medical condition. Continence management usually includes a full assessment, including general physical examination looking for signs of medical conditions causing incontinence; history taking and often keeping a bladder/bowel diary; and any of a variety of tests. Once the condition is assessed, a treatment plan is created. Treatment options range from symptom management, behaviour management, and medications to surgery. The least invasive treatment is started first. Treatment options may be aimed at underlying causes of the incontinence, or at managing the symptoms, such as using absorbent products, along with education and ongoing support.moreFibroids are common, benign (non-cancerous) tumours of smooth muscle usually occurring in the uterus (womb). Fibroids can vary from very small to bigger than a grapefruit. They can grow in variouspositions on the uterus. The symptoms a woman has will depend on the number, size and position of the fibroids. Fibroids do not produce symptoms in all women, but may lead to prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding, pressure or pain in the pelvis, and rarely to infertility. In addition to hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus), less invasive surgical procedures are used to remove uterine fibroids.more