Surgery

Dr. Chismar performs a range of surgical procedures. These include:

• Endometrial ablation
• Hysterectomy
  – Abdominal
  – Vaginal
  – Laparoscopic
• Dilation and Curettage

 Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is an excellent tool that helps the doctor visualize the abdominal anatomy to diagnose conditions like endometriosis and anatomical abnormalities. Most laparoscopic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and reduce the time required for recovery.  Laparoscopy can also be used to treat certain conditions like endometriosis. Additionally, doctors can perform sterilization procedures like tubal ligations, hysterectomies (the partial or complete removal of reproductive organs), and cyst removals from ovaries and fallopian tubes.

 LEEP

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is a minor surgical process that uses an electrical wire to remove abnormal tissue from a woman’s cervix. Abnormal tissue, discovered during a Pap smear, colposcopy, or biopsy, can indicate the presence of cancer or a pre-cancerous condition. 

Dr. Chismar performs LEEP under a local anesthetic in the office to remove all the abnormal tissue. Afterward, the doctor will seal the blood vessels to prevent bleeding. The process takes about 10 minutes. You may feel discomfort or experience some mild cramps. Because of the anesthetic, you will not feel any pain.  Following the procedure, Dr. Chismar will send the tissue to a lab for closer examination.

 Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of a woman’s uterus. This test enables the doctor to diagnose abnormal bleeding conditions, infertility, and other conditions. This is a minimally invasive procedure. It is not painful, but you may be lightly sedated during the procedure. During a hysteroscopy, the doctor will insert a small camera into your vagina, then through the cervix into your uterus. The doctor may use carbon dioxide gas or a saline solution to expand the uterus for better visualization of the endometrium and the openings to the fallopian tubes.

 Endometrial ablation

For women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding or whose menstrual periods do not naturally stop, Dr. Chismar may recommend endometrial ablation. As a woman ages, her endometrium can change and produce a larger volume of menstrual blood. Other conditions, like the presence of uterine fibroids, can also significantly increase the size of a woman’s endometrium. Endometrial ablation uses a laser to cauterize the endometrium to reduce or eliminate menstruation. Endometrial ablation is a permanent and destructive process. It is not recommended for women who would like to attempt pregnancy at a future date.

 Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the partial or complete removal of a woman’s reproductive organs. In the past, doctors routinely removed all of a woman’s reproductive organs during a hysterectomy. Today, when performing a hysterectomy, doctors remove only those organs necessary for a positive therapeutic result.

A hysterectomy results in permanent sterilization. It may be recommended to treat reproductive cancers; large fibroid masses; chronic pelvic pain; uterine prolapse or other abnormal, chronic conditions.

Doctors can perform hysterectomies by opening a woman’s abdomen and removing reproductive organs. Some hysterectomies can also be performed through a woman’s vagina, or laparoscopically. The type of procedure will depend on the patient’s condition and the extent of the surgery that is needed. Typically, a hysterectomy requires hospitalization. The way in which a hysterectomy is performed will, in part, determine how long it takes to recover from the procedure. 

 Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

A dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure that doctors use to clear tissue from the uterus. A D&C may be performed after a miscarriage to ensure that all remaining tissue has been removed. D&C’s are also useful as a diagnostic tool to help determine the cause of abnormal bleeding or address other uterine conditions.