Services

Surgical Gynaecological Procedures

Gynaecological procedures are performed to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the female reproductive system. Surgery in the field of gynaecology may be necessary for a variety of reasons. Dr van Der Merwe provides a wide range of surgical and gynaecological services, including but not limited to the following:

Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a medical examination of the female reproductive organs, specifically the cervix, vagina, and vulva, to detect disease. Dr van Der Merwe employs the use of a colposcope, a specialised surgical instrument, during colposcopies. The cervix is examined closely with a microscope.

If your Pap test results come back abnormal, Dr van Der Merwe may suggest you undergo a colposcopy. During a colposcopy, if your doctor notices a suspicious patch of cells, they can take a tissue sample for further analysis. A biopsy is a medical term for this procedure. If a pap smear reveals cellular changes that certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) could cause, a colposcopy may be recommended. These mutated cells have the potential to progress into cervical cancer.

Dilation and Curettage

Dilation and curettage is a procedure in which tissue from inside the uterus is removed. Diagnosing and treating conditions of the uterus, such as excessive bleeding, or removing the uterine lining after a miscarriage or abortion, are among the indications for dilation and curettage. Cervical dilation with a laminaria stick may be performed before the procedure begins. This is a thin rod that is inserted into the uterus in order to dilate it.

Hysteroscopy

Examining the uterus from the inside requires a procedure called a hysteroscopy. This procedure allows Dr van Der Merwe to see inside your uterus and treat the underlying causes of abnormal bleeding. A hysteroscope, a kind of slender telescope outfitted with a light and camera, is used for this procedure. There is no need for incisions because the hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus via the vagina and cervix. Polyps, fibroids, and adhesions can be surgically removed during a hysteroscopic procedure. Hysteroscopy could be performed in Dr van Der Merwe's office, or it could be done in an outpatient clinic. You may only need to have a local anaesthetic.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) involves the removal of cells and tissue from a woman's lower genital tract through a wire loop heated by an electric current. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic tool to manage abnormal or cancerous conditions. Through the small wire loop, an electric current is used to remove a thin layer of abnormal tissue with LEEP. For scientific analysis, we will be sending this tissue to the lab. LEEP can also eradicate malignant cells to make way for healthy tissue expansion. The operation takes around 20 minutes, and complete healing takes around four weeks.

Pelvic Laparoscopy

A pelvic laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed with the use of a laparoscope. Dr van Der Merwe makes an incision in your abdominal wall and inserts the laparoscope. Pictures captured by the camera are displayed on a screen. Dr van Der Merwe can diagnose and treat various pelvic disorders with a pelvic laparoscopy.