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Gynecologic Surgical Procedures in Conway, Arkansas
Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding by removing or destroying the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. This treatment is often recommended for women who experience excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding and are looking for an alternative to hysterectomy.
At Conway Women's Health Center, we perform the NovaSure® endometrial ablation procedure in our office. NovaSure® uses controlled radio frequency energy to safely treat the uterine lining and can provide long-term relief from heavy periods. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with anesthesia and typically requires little downtime.
NovaSure® is intended for premenopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding caused by non-cancerous conditions who have completed childbearing. Because pregnancy after endometrial ablation can be dangerous, this procedure is not recommended for women who wish to become pregnant in the future. Your provider will discuss the benefits, risks, and available treatment options to determine if endometrial ablation is right for you.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus and may also include removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, depending on your condition, age, and treatment goals. After a hysterectomy, menstrual periods stop, and pregnancy is no longer possible. Hysterectomy may be recommended to treat a variety of gynecologic conditions, including fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, adenomyosis, chronic pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, or certain cancers of the reproductive system.
There are several approaches to hysterectomy, including abdominal, vaginal, and minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery. At Conway Women's Health Center, we offer advanced surgical options, including robotic-assisted hysterectomy using da Vinci® technology. This minimally invasive approach uses small incisions and may result in less pain, shorter recovery times, and a faster return to normal activities.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Most patients can expect several weeks of healing, with minimally invasive techniques often allowing for a quicker recovery than traditional abdominal surgery. Your provider will discuss the best surgical approach for your individual needs and what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows your provider to examine and treat conditions within the abdomen and pelvis through a few small incisions. Using a specialized camera and surgical instruments, laparoscopy can be used to diagnose certain conditions or perform surgery with greater precision and less disruption to surrounding tissues.
This procedure is commonly used to diagnose and treat endometriosis, remove ovarian cysts, evaluate and remove scar tissue or adhesions, and perform sterilization procedures such as tubal ligation. Because laparoscopy requires only small incisions, patients often experience less pain, reduced scarring, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Most laparoscopic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Pelvic Prolapse Repair
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs become weakened or damaged, allowing one or more organs to shift out of their normal position. Types of prolapse can include the bladder (cystocele), small bowel (enterocele), rectum (rectocele), or uterus (uterine prolapse). While pelvic prolapse is not usually life-threatening, it can significantly affect a woman's comfort, daily activities, and quality of life.
Common symptoms may include pelvic pressure, discomfort, painful intercourse, unusual bleeding or discharge, or a noticeable bulge in or around the vaginal opening. Because prolapse often worsens over time, early evaluation is important. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the condition and may include conservative management with a pessary or surgical repair to restore pelvic support and relieve symptoms. Our providers can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.
D&C
DIALTION & CURETTAGE
A Dilation and Curettage (D&C) is a procedure used to remove and collect tissue from the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. During the procedure, the cervix is gently widened (dilated) to allow specialized instruments to enter the uterus, where tissue can be removed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
A D&C may be recommended to help diagnose conditions such as uterine cancer, investigate abnormal uterine bleeding, remove tissue following a miscarriage, or treat heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding. It may also be used to evaluate bleeding after menopause, remove endometrial polyps, or address complications such as an embedded intrauterine device (IUD).
Your provider will discuss the reasons for the procedure, what to expect during recovery, and whether a D&C is the most appropriate treatment option for your specific condition.
CKC
COLD KNIFE CONE
A Cold Knife Cone (CKC) biopsy, also known as conization, is a surgical procedure used to remove a cone-shaped sample of abnormal tissue from the cervix for further evaluation and treatment. This procedure is often recommended when cervical dysplasia, or abnormal cervical cell changes, are identified through Pap smear testing, colposcopy, or biopsy results. A CKC biopsy can help diagnose cervical cancer or detect precancerous changes before they progress.
Performed in a hospital setting under anesthesia, a Cold Knife Cone biopsy may also serve as a treatment for moderate to severe cervical dysplasia (CIN II or CIN III) and certain very early-stage cervical cancers. By removing the abnormal tissue, the procedure can help prevent further progression of cervical disease while preserving as much healthy cervical tissue as possible. Your provider will discuss the benefits, risks, and recovery expectations to determine whether a CKC biopsy is the right treatment option for you.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. Fibroids, also known as myomas, are common noncancerous growths that can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, and fertility concerns. While many fibroids do not require treatment, a myomectomy may be recommended when symptoms begin to affect your quality of life.
For women who wish to have children in the future or prefer to keep their uterus, myomectomy can be an effective alternative to hysterectomy. By removing the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact, this procedure can help relieve symptoms and, in some cases, improve fertility. Your provider will discuss whether myomectomy is the best treatment option based on the size, location, and number of fibroids present.
Oophorectomy
An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries, which are responsible for producing eggs and hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. This procedure may be recommended to treat a variety of gynecologic conditions, including ovarian cysts, endometriosis, certain cancers, or to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women with a strong family history or genetic predisposition.
Oophorectomy may be performed as a standalone procedure or as part of a larger surgery, such as a hysterectomy. In many cases, the fallopian tubes are removed at the same time, a procedure known as a salpingo-oophorectomy. Your provider will discuss the reasons for surgery, potential effects on hormone levels and fertility, and the treatment approach that best meets your individual health needs.
