DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND PROCEDURES
Throughout a woman’s life, it may become necessary to have certain diagnostic testing or procedures performed as a means of detecting and/or treating a gynecological condition. These procedures and exams often involve minor surgery, which is why it is imperative that they be performed by a trained and skillful physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological disorders. At OBGYN on the Park, with convenient office locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY, our highly regarded team of board certified physicians are experts in the field of gynecology, and are highly experienced working with women of all ages to identify and manage any problematic gynecological health issues. They will take the time to clearly and comprehensively address all of your questions and concerns about the diagnostic tests and procedures you are having performed, and are able to offer uniquely flexible scheduling options to seamlessly integrate any necessary procedures into your busy calendar.
DILATION AND CURETTAGE (D&C)
Dilation and curettage (D and C, uterine scraping) is an outpatient procedure performed under general or local anesthesia, during which the cervical canal is widened, and the clinician gently scrapes and collects the endometrial tissue from inside the uterus. Patients may experience temporary pelvic cramps, vaginal bleeding and back pain after the procedure, and will be advised to refrain from using tampons, having sexual intercourse, or participating in strenuous physical activity for the next 2-3 days. A D&C can be employed as both a therapeutic and diagnostic tool, and can be utilized to:
- Remove tissue following a miscarriage
- Resolve issues of irregular periods, bleeding after menopause, or heavy menstrual bleeding
- Treat abnormal bleeding for patients on hormone replacement therapy
- Perform a therapeutic or elective pregnancy termination
- Screen for or diagnose uterine cancer
- Find and remove endometrial polyps
- Remove an intrauterine device that has become embedded in the uterine lining
ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY
During an endometrial biopsy, a small tissue sample is collected from the endometrium (lining of the uterus). This sample is later examined under a microscope in order to assess the impact of hormones on the endometrial lining or to identify the presence of abnormal cells. This outpatient procedure is typically performing using local anesthesia and a numbing agent for the cervix, and can be used to:
- Screen for endometrial cancer
- Determine the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding or bleeding after menopause,
- Evaluate cell changes in relation to hormone levels
- Detect the presence of fibroids or polyps
- Diagnose the condition of endometritis or other uterine infections
Patients may return home immediately after this procedure, but should refrain from using tampons or having sexual intercourse for the next 2-3 days.
HYSTEROSCOPY
A hysteroscopy allows the clinician to closely examine the uterine lining using a small light and camera attached to a magnifying tool called a hysteroscope, which is inserted into the vagina and moved through the cervix and uterus. Prior to this 30 minute procedure, patients may be given local anesthesia or IV sedation, and a biopsy (small sample of tissue) may be taken during the hysteroscopy if further analysis is required. Patients can return home shortly after the procedure, but may need to abstain from sexual intercourse, playing sports, or using tampons for a few days. A hysteroscopy is performed for both diagnostic and treatment purposes, including:
- Locate and remove small polyps or fibroids
- Screen for endometrial cancer
- Open blocked fallopian tubes
- Permanent sterilization through the placement of a contraceptive implant (i.e. Essure)
- Locate and resolve issues of intense cramping or bleeding
- Determine whether scar tissue or the size or shape of the uterus is causing infertility
- Discover the cause of multiple miscarriages
- Locate and adjust a dislodged IUD (intrauterine device)
CONTACT OBGYN on the Park
At OBGYN on the Park, we take pride in providing a superior level of patient care and clinical expertise in a compassionate and comfortable environment. Our exceptional staff members are experts in the field of Obstetrics/Gynecology and all our physician are faculty members at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. As a patient at OBGYN on the Park, you will experience an unparalleled level of attentiveness and responsiveness—we will always make time to thoroughly address every question and concern you might have, and will work tirelessly to ensure that your experience is a positive one.
Our multidisciplinary approach involves cooperative collaboration with your primary care physician and a network of highly esteemed specialists (when necessary) in order to create a customized treatment plan that meets your unique obstetric/gynecological concerns. If you would like additional information about having your D&C, endometrial biopsy or hysteroscopy performed at OBGYN on the Park, please contact our office today. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial appointment with one of our board certified physicians.