Gynaecological surgery is surgery on the female reproductive system, which includes the uterus, vagina, vulva, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. This type of surgery is performed by gynaecologists, which are doctors who specialize in women’s health, with a focus on the reproductive system.
Your Gynaecological surgery
If you are coming for surgery, please also see the Your surgical care journey and Day of surgery pages, where you will find out important information such as how to prepare for surgery and what to do/where to go when you arrive.
Types of Gynaecological surgery
Gynaecological surgery may be required for benign conditions, cancer, infertility, or incontinence. Sometimes this type of surgery may be performed for elective or cosmetic purposes.
Some more common procedures include:
- Hysterectomy – removal of the uterus
- Myomectomy – removal of fibroids from the uterus
- Dilatation and curettage – called a D&C, this is one of the most common gynaecological procedures. It is used to diagnose conditions of the uterus, or to remove uterine fibroid tumours, a molar pregnancy, or the placenta that remains in the uterus after a delivery that has caused excessive bleeding. During a D&C, the gynaecologist removes the lining of the uterus using suction or a surgical instrument called a curette.
- Hysteroscopy – this is a way for the gynaecologist to diagnose uterine problems, remove adhesions, or determine the cause of repeated miscarriage. In this procedure, the gynaecologist inserts a thin, lighted instrument into your uterus through the vagina, and it sends pictures of your uterus to a TV screen.
- Pelvic laparoscopy – this surgical procedure can be used to take tissue samples, remove scar tissue, remove ovaries, or repair the uterus. It involves making a small incision in the belly button or lower abdomen and pumping carbon dioxide into the abdomen so the surgeon can view the organs inside. It is usually performed with general anaesthesia.