Gynaecology Treatments

What are Gynaecological Treatments?

Gynaecological treatments encompass a wide range of medical interventions and procedures aimed at diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions that affect the female reproductive system. These treatments can address issues related to the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva.

Who is Suitable for Gynaecological Treatments?

The most suitable candidates for gynaecological treatments are women with conditions that cannot be effectively treated with medications or other non-surgical treatments.

It is essential for any woman considering a gynaecological treatment to have a detailed discussion with her gynaecologist about the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives before making a decision.

Benefits of Gynaecological Treatments

Gynaecological treatments can provide various benefits, depending on the specific condition and the type of treatment. Some potential benefits can include:

• Relief from Symptoms: Many gynaecological conditions, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, or endometriosis, can cause significant discomfort and disrupt a woman's daily life. Gynaecological treatments can often effectively treat these symptoms, providing relief.
• Improved Reproductive Health: Treatments such as laparoscopic ovarian drilling can restore ovulation in women with PCOS, potentially improving fertility. Similarly, surgeries to treat conditions like uterine fibroids or endometriosis can also improve fertility in some cases.
• Prevention or Treatment of Cancer: A hysterectomy can treat gynaecological cancers and pre-cancerous conditions. In some cases, they can also prevent cancer in high-risk women.
• Resolution of Prolapse: Treatments like vaginal prolapse surgery can resolve symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, improving quality of life.

Types of Gynaecological Treatments

The types of gynaecological treatments can be categorised into several groups based on their purpose and nature:

• Diagnostic Treatments: These include colposcopy, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy, which are used to investigate symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, or monitor a condition.
• Operative Treatments: These are treatments carried out to treat a condition. Examples include laparoscopic cyst or fibroid removal, dilation and curettage (D&C), endometrial ablation, and hysterectomy.
• Reproductive Treatments: These are treatments related to fertility and reproduction. They can include assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) as well as surgeries to treat conditions affecting fertility, such as laparoscopic ovarian drilling.
• Preventive or Prophylactic Treatments include treatments like tubal ligation for sterilisation and prophylactic oophorectomy in women at high risk of ovarian cancer.
• Prolapse and Incontinence Treatments include surgeries to treat pelvic organ prolapses or urinary incontinence, such as vaginal prolapse surgery or sling Treatments.
• Cancer Treatments include surgeries to treat gynaecological cancers, such as radical hysterectomy or debulking surgery for ovarian cancer. These treatments may be combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Each treatment has potential benefits, risks, and alternatives, and the decision to undergo a specific treatment should always be made in consultation with a gynaecologist.

Common Gynaecological Treatments

At our clinic, we offer the following treatments:

Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures

• Laparoscopic Surgery
• Purpose: Broad term for minimally invasive surgeries performed with a laparoscope.
• Examples: Can be used for various gynecological surgeries, including ovarian cyst removal, tubal ligation, and ectopic pregnancy management.
• Laparoscopy for Endometriosis
• Purpose: Both diagnostic and therapeutic; used to identify and remove endometrial tissue.
• Techniques: Minimally invasive laparoscope surgery to excise or ablate endometrial implants.
• Hysteroscopy
• Purpose: Diagnostic and operative procedures used to examine and treat uterine conditions.
• Techniques: Involves the use of a hysteroscope inserted through the vagina; can be used to remove polyps, fibroids, and perform endometrial ablations.
• Endometrial Ablation
• Purpose: Destruction of the lining of the uterus to treat heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Techniques: Can be performed using various methods, including thermal, radiofrequency, and microwave energy.
• Novasure
• Purpose: Using radiofrequency energy to destroy the uterine lining, a specific type of endometrial ablation.
• Techniques: A minimally invasive procedure performed in a doctor’s office or outpatient setting.

Surgical Procedures

• Myomectomy
• Purpose: Surgical removal of uterine fibroids.
• Techniques: Depending on the size and location of fibroids, it can be performed laparoscopically, hysteroscopically, or via open surgery.
• Hysterectomy
• Purpose: Surgical removal of the uterus.
• Techniques: Can be performed abdominally, vaginally, or laparoscopically; used to treat fibroids, endometriosis, cancer, and other conditions.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures

• Colposcopy +/- Biopsy
• Purpose: Diagnostic procedure to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of disease; can include a biopsy if abnormal areas are detected.
• Techniques: This involves using a colposcope to magnify and visualise the area; tissue samples may be taken for further analysis.
• LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone)
• Purpose: Removal of abnormal tissue from the cervix.
• Techniques: A thin wire loop that carries an electric current excises abnormal areas, often following abnormal pap smear results.

Gynecological Treatment Steps

A gynaecological treatment can vary widely depending on the treatment and your health circumstances. However, here are some general things you may need to do or expect:

• Most gynaecological treatments require some form of anaesthesia, ranging from local anaesthesia (numbing a small area) to general anaesthesia (where you're asleep).
• The specifics of the treatment will depend on the type. It might be minimally invasive (like laparoscopy or hysteroscopy) or more extensive (like a hysterectomy).
• Your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels) will be continuously monitored during the treatment.

Post Gynecological Treatment Expectations

After the treatment, you'll be moved to a recovery room where healthcare professionals will monitor your vital signs as the anaesthesia wears off.

It's common to have some pain after surgical treatment. You'll likely receive pain medication to keep you comfortable.

Before you leave the hospital or clinic, you'll be given instructions on how to care for yourself at home. This could include wound care, activity restrictions, and when to seek medical attention.

You'll likely have a follow-up appointment with your gynaecologist to monitor your recovery and discuss the treatment's results. In some cases, further treatment might be necessary.

Gynaecological Treatments Prognosis

For most benign conditions, the prognosis after gynaecological treatments is generally good. Many women experience significant symptom relief, improved quality of life, or the resolution of the issue, such as successful pregnancy following fertility-enhancing surgery.

For cancer-related gynaecological treatments, the prognosis can depend on the type and stage of cancer, the success of the surgery, and the use of additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

Gynaecological Treatments Risks

As with any surgical treatment, gynaecological treatments carry some risks. These can include:

• General risks associated with anaesthesia, such as allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
• Infection or bleeding.
• Damage to surrounding organs or tissues, such as the bladder, bowel, or blood vessels.
• Blood clots can lead to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
• Complications related to the specific treatment include changes in menstrual bleeding patterns after endometrial ablation or early menopause after removal of the ovaries.
• Emotional or psychological effects, particularly for treatments that may impact fertility or hormone levels.

What if Gynaecological Treatments are Delayed?

Sometimes, a delay might have minimal impact, particularly if the treatment is elective or other options are available.

However, in other situations, delaying a gynaecological treatment could lead to worsening symptoms, progression of the disease, or potentially serious complications. For example, delaying surgery for ovarian cancer could allow the cancer to spread, which could reduce survival rates.

Delaying treatment could also impact a woman's quality of life. Conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, or uterine prolapse can cause significant discomfort and disrupt a woman's daily activities.

Any decisions about the timing of treatment should be made in consultation with a gynaecologist, considering the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.

Cost of Gynaecological Treatments in Australia

• Laparoscopic Surgery: Between AUD 3,000 and AUD 10,000, depending on the complexity and specific procedure.
• Laparoscopy for Endometriosis: Similar to general laparoscopic surgery, it costs around AUD 3,000 to AUD 10,000.
• Hysteroscopy: Typically ranges from AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000.
• Myomectomy: Between AUD 4,000 and AUD 12,000, depending on the method and complexity.
• Hysterectomy: Ranges from AUD 7,000 to AUD 15,000, depending on the type of hysterectomy and hospital stay.
• Endometrial Ablation and Novasure: Approximately AUD 3,000 to AUD 6,000.
• Colposcopy +/- Biopsy: Ranges from AUD 500 to AUD 1,000.
• LLETZ: Typically costs between AUD 1,000 and AUD 2,500.

These costs can vary significantly based on the specific healthcare provider, hospital fees, insurance coverage, and whether the procedure is performed in a public or private hospital. Public healthcare options may offer lower costs but could involve longer wait times. It is advisable to consult with healthcare providers and insurance companies to get accurate estimates and understand coverage options.