Bhat, Renuka

Definitions

Endometriosis 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.moreEndoscopy involves examining the inside of the body with an endoscope, a lighted, flexible instrument that has a small camera on the tip. There are many types of endoscopes, and endoscopy, namedaccording to the organs or areas they are used to examine (e.g. arthroscopy examines joints; bronchoscopy examines the lungs; cystoscopy examines the bladder and urethra; laparoscopy may examine the ovaries, appendix or other abdominal organs; colonoscopy examines the bowel). An endoscope is passed through a natural body opening (e.g. mouth) or a small incision. Small instruments can be inserted through an endoscope and used to take samples of tissues for analysis (biopsy), to remove material (e.g. removing polyps during a colonoscopy), or to carry out a surgical procedure.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.more