Female Reproductive System Procedures Flashcards
Gynecologist
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.
Obstetrician
Literally “midwife” in Latin. A physician specializing in the diagnosis and management of pregnancy and delivering babies.
Episiotomy
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.
Hysterosalpingoogram
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 tubes are open into the abdominal cavity, if patent, dye should spill out of the end of the tubes and be manifest on the X-ray.
Colposcopy
Using a magnifying instrument to inspect the interior of the vagina and cervix, the entrance to the uterus.
Dilatation and curettage (D & C)
Dilating the cervix, the entrance into the uterus, and passing instruments that enable scrapping 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.
Mammoplasty
Surgical reconstruction of the breast may involve breast enlargement or reduction or cosmetic reconstruction after mastectomy.
Pudendal block
An anesthetic administered to block sensation around the lower vagina and perineum. This facilitate performing an episiotomy allowing passage of the baby’s head while avoiding uncontrolled tearing of tissues.
