Female Reproductive System Procedures

Question 1

Obstetrician

Answer 1

• Literally “midwife” in Latin
• A physician specializing in the diagnosis and management of pregnancy and delivering babies

Question 2

Gynecologist

Answer 2

• A physician specializing in diseases of the female reproductive system and surgery of this area
• Most physicians currently specialize in combined practice of OB/GYN

Question 3

Episiotomy

Answer 3

A surgical procedure cutting into the perineal area, the area between the vagina and anus in order to prevent tearing of tissues when the baby’s head traverses the vaginal opening

Question 4

Hysterosalpingogram

Answer 4

• Special X-rays of the uterus and uterine tubes involving passing an opaque dye backwards up through the uterus to determine if the tubes are patent
• Since the tubes are open into the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity, if patient, dye should spill out of the end of the tubes and be manifest on the X-ray

Question 5

Colposcopy

Answer 5

Using a magnifying instrument to inspect the interior of the vagina and cervix, the entrance to the uterus

Question 6

Dilation and curettage (D & C)

Answer 6

• Dilating the cervix, the entrance into the uterus, and passing instruments that enable scraping off superficial layers of the endometrium
• May be done as an early therapeutic abortion, or following a normal pregnancy to remove residual tissue remaining in the uterus, or may be done as a diagnostic procedure to examine lining tissue of the uterus

Question 7

Mammoplasty

Answer 7

Surgical reconstruction of the breast may involve breast enlargement or reduction or cosmetic reconstruction after mastectomy

Question 8

Pudendal block

Answer 8

• An anesthetic administered to block sensation around the lower vagina and perineum
• This facilitates performing an episiotomy allowing passage of the baby’s head while avoiding uncontrolled tearing of tissues
• Pudendal, an ancient name for external genitalia, means “that which we should be ashamed of” in Latin