Office Surgery

A number of minor surgical procedures are performed routinely in our office.They are accomplished under a lighter "twilight" anesthesia that is provided by a physician from Valley Anesthesia. These anesthesiologists are well respected and routinely work with us in our hospital based surgeries. They are accredited by AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare).Valley Anesthesia is one out of only 10 office-based anesthesia groups nationwide and currently the only group in Arizona to hold this accreditation.

The office setting is comfortable, time efficient and more economical for patients.

Hysteroscopy

This procedure uses a lighted scope that is placed through the cervix (no incisions) which allows the surgeon to view the inside of the uterus. It is a diagnostic tool that is generally performed with other procedures, such as a D&C, removal of a polyp or IUD, placement of an Essure device or prior to an Endometrial Ablation.

D&C

This is a common procedure used to sample the lining of the uterus, most commonly as an aid in the diagnosis of heavy and/or irregular bleeding.It may also be performed to remove tissue after a miscarriage if the body fails to accomplish this spontaneously. The procedure involves gently dilating the cervix (this is the lowermost portion of the uterus which is located in the vagina) and then using an instrument to obtain tissue samples. A hysteroscopy is commonly performed at the time of D&C.

Endometrial Ablation

This procedure is designed to destroy the lining of the uterus. The result is either a significant decrease or absence of the menstrual cycle. It is a minimally invasive procedure with no incisions. There is no down time; the patient is able to return to her normal activities the following day.It is indicated in women who have completed their childbearing and have persistent heavy and/or irregular bleeding. A hysteroscopy and D&C are generally performed first (as described above). The endometrial ablation is then by using heat to destroy the uterine lining. Novasure utilizes a heated mesh, while Thermachoice employs a heated balloon. These methods are similarly effective and safe. Both are performed at NSWH.

Sterilization

The Essure device is a minimally invasive sterilization procedure. There are no incisions and the patient is able to return to her normal activities the following day.This involves first gently dilating the cervix, viewing the uterine cavity with a hysteroscope (see Hysteroscopy above), and then placing the Essure coils in the fallopian tubes. After approximately 3 months, these coils scar over and the tubes are functionally blocked. A radiologic procedure called a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is performed to confirm this.

Labiaplasty

This procedure is indicated for women who have elongated or significantly asymmetric labia that cause discomfort or pain.This excess tissue is surgically removed and fine sutures are placed beneath the skin. The stitches dissolve with time and there are generally no visible scars. There is minimal discomfort for the first 24 to 48 hours that is relieved with ice and pain medication.