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GYN Surgery

Our clinic performs many gynecologic surgeries in our Fitchburg (Madison) office. This saves our patients both time and money from having to visit a hospital for the same procedure.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It is the second most common type of major surgery performed on women of childbearing age (second to cesarean delivery). Hysterectomy may be done to treat conditions including:

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic support problems (such as uterine prolapse)
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Cancer
  • Chronic pelvic pain

There are several kinds including total hysterectomy, supracervical, and a hysterectomy with removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

A Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH) is a procedure that preserves sexual function by saving the cervix and its mucous-secreting glands and preserving the primary support for the top of the vagina. LSH causes less vaginal dryness, affords better pelvic support, leads to less pain and offers quicker recovery, and avoids the need for hormone replacement.

A Laparoscopically Assisted Vagina Hysterectomy (LAVH) is a procedure where the uterus is removed through the vagina involving the use of a laparoscope. The laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut. During the procedure, other small cuts are made in the abdomen to allow the organs to be viewed so the doctor can decide if the uterus can be removed through the vagina.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

D&C may be done to assess the cause of abnormal bleeding. It provides a sample of the tissue in the uterus that can be viewed under a microscope to tell whether any cells are abnormal. It may also be done when a woman is having a miscarriage or after she has had one to remove any remaining tissue in the uterus.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a surgical technique that can be used for many conditions. The term laparoscopy comes from the Greek words that mean “look into the abdomen”. This style of surgery can be used to treat:

  • Endometriosis
  • Adhesions in the abdomen
  • Fibroids
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Infertility
  • AND
  • To perform hysterectomies

Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is most often performed on women who suffer from excessive or prolonged bleeding during their menstrual cycle and is most commonly performed when:

  • Bleeding has not responded to other treatments
  • The patient is done having children
  • A hysterectomy is not possible either due to medical problems or patient preference.

The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding. In this procedure, the endometrium is removed by using one of a variety of techniques, which may include laser beam, heat, radiofrequency, freezing, or microwave.

Colposcopy

Colposcopy allows your physician to look at the cervix through a special device similar to a microscope. It can detect problems of the cervix that cannot be seen with the eye alone. A colposcopy is often performed after a woman receives an abnormal Pap test result.

Colposcopy is used to help diagnose changes in cells and cervical cancer. During the procedure, a speculum is placed in the vagina. The colposcope remains outside the vagina but is used to see the cervix. The cervix is painted with a mild vinegar solution that makes abnormal cells on the cervix easier to see. This solution can sometimes cause a slight burning.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)

LEEP is a procedure that removes abnormal cells from the cervix that have been identified during a Pap smear. LEEP allows abnormal cells to be removed and allows new healthy cells to grow. This procedure uses a thin wire loop that acts like a scalpel. An electric current is passed through the loop, which cuts away a thin layer of the surface cells. In most cases, LEEP is done in our office on an outpatient basis.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a way to look inside the uterus. A hysteroscopy is a thin, telescope-like device that is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. This procedure may be used for diagnosis, treatment, or both, and can be used in conjunction with other procedures (for example, it may be performed before a D&C.)

Hysteroscopy may be used for other conditions including:

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Infertility
  • Repeated miscarriages
  • Adhesions
  • Abnormal growths
  • Displaced IUDs

When hysteroscopy is used to diagnose certain conditions, it may be used to correct them as well. For instance, uterine adhesions or fibroids often can be removed through the hysteroscope.

“After months of erratic periods, I made an appointment with Dr. Melius. He immediately made it a priority to come up with a plan. After several attempts to control my periods failed, due to scar tissue from past c-sections and other abdominal surgeries, Dr. Melius carefully and compassionately explained the last option of a hysterectomy. Every staff member that I worked with was courteous, professional and welcoming. Dr. Melius answered all of my questions and assured me along the way. He carefully explained what to expect during recovery and made it a priority to make sure I was okay both physically and mentally. I joked with him at my post op appointment that I wish I had another uterus for him to watch over because he and his staff are so amazing. I will definitely bring my daughters to him for care and refer anyone with a uterus to see Physicians for Women.”

–Beth

Holiday Hours:

12/24 Christmas Eve: Open until 12 PM
12/25 Christmas Day: CLOSED
12/31 New Year’s Eve: Open until 12 PM
1/1 New Year’s Day: Closed

We have a team member on call 24/7 at 608-227-7007.