Office
Procedures Performed by the Physician, Nurse Practitioner
and Physician Assistants of the Obstetrics and Gynecology
Department Include:
Physical Examinations: Involves a thorough history and physical examination of the patient
to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. Includes
wellness counseling.
Gynecological
Examination: Involves a thorough examination of the breast and
female genitourinary system. Usually involves a pap smear of
the cervix.
Prenatal Care: Care of women during pregnancy. It consists of periodic examinations
for the determination of blood pressure, weight, changes in the
size of the uterus, and the condition of the fetus. A variety
of laboratory tests provide important data for treatment or education.
Patient teaching is an important aspect of prenatal care.
Post Partum
Care: Care of women following birth. Involves a thorough examination
of the breast, female genitourinary system and birth control
counseling.
Pre-Operation
Evaluation: Care before a surgical procedure. Involves a thorough
history and physical examination of the patient to determine
the presence or absence of physical problems. The provider will
discuss the procedure with the patient and allow the patient
to express any concerns they may have.
Post-Operation
Care: Care following a surgical procedure. May involve one or
more visits to the provider who monitors the healing status of
the wound and the patient's overall recovery.
Monitoring
Laboratory Tests.
- Papanicolaou
(Pap) Smear: used to detect cancer cells from the cervix and
vagina.
Diagnosis and
Management of acute and chronic diseases.
Blood Pressure
Evaluation.
Fertility,
Infertility and Contraception counseling and management.
Review of various
ancillary procedures.
- Dexa Scan - A simple procedure used to measure bone density. Bone density
is important in identifying people at risk of bone injury and
osteoporosis.
- CAT Scan (Computerized axial tomography) - use of a computer to produce
from x-ray data, a cross sectional view of the anatomical part
being investigated.
- MRI Scan (Magnetic resonance imaging) - a type of diagnostic radiography
using electromagnetic energy. This technique is valuable in
providing soft tissue images of the central nervous and musculo-skeletal
system.
- Ultrasound
procedure - uses ultrasound to produce an image or photograph
of an organ, or tissue for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
- Mammography - x-ray examination of the breast.
Diagnosis and
management of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) and gynecological
infections.
Health promotion
counseling.
Norplant Insertion
and Removal - Norplant is a contraceptive method that involves
placing six match-size, flexible capsules under the skin of a
woman's upper arm. These capsules release a low dose of a form
of progesterone continuously for up to five years. Progesterone
prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries. A physician inserts
the six capsules through a small incision.
Breast Cyst
Aspiration -A breast cyst is a benign fluid filled sac. A patient
may or may not feel a cyst, but they do appear on a mammogram
or ultrasound. Cyst aspiration is a quick and simple procedure
to remove cyst fluid. The physician inserts a needle into the
cyst and drains the fluid. The patient can usually return to
her normal activities following the procedure. A sample of the
fluid may be sent to the laboratory for evaluation and identification.
Colposcopy - A colposcope magnifies the external genitalia area, vagina
and cervix. This close-up view allows a physician to easily examine
and identify abnormal areas. A colposcope resembles a microscope.
Physicians recommend colposcopy for women who have had abnormal
pap smear results.
Cryosurgery - A physician may use cryosurgery to remove abnormal cervical
tissue. The procedure uses probes and extremely cold temperature
to locate, freeze and destroy the abnormal tissue. Cryosurgery
is relatively painless and produces little scarring.
Pessary Fitting - A pessary is a device that is inserted into the vagina by a
provider to function as a supportive structure for the uterus
and/or bladder.
Diaphragm Fitting - A diaphragm is a dome-shaped latex cup that covers the cervix
during intercourse. A provider fits the patient with the proper
sized diaphragm for her cervix. The patient is taught how to
properly insert the diaphragm. It is inserted into the vagina
before intercourse. A diaphragm prevents sperm from gaining access
to the upper reproductive tract. It also serves a spermicide
holder.
Paragard/Progestasert
IUD Insertion - The copper intrauterine device (IUD), Paragard
and the hormonal IUD, Progestasert, prevent fertilization of
the egg. Paragard can remain effective for ten years. Progestasert
lasts for only one year. Both IUD's are inserted into the uterus.
Removing or replacing the IUD is a simple process.
Post Coital
Test (PCT) - A Post Coital test determines the quantity and mobility
of sperm in a specimen of semen. The sample is taken from the
patients cervical canal following sexual intercourse. Physicians
recommend having a Huhner's test around the time of ovulation.
Endometrial
Biopsy - An endometrial biopsy is used to monitor precancerous
abnormalities, ovulatory abnormalities, and women whose mothers
took diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy. This procedure
usually is conducted to obtain a sample of tissue for pathologic
examination. After a routine pelvic examination is done to determine
the position of the uterus, the cervix is exposed and cleaned.
An instrument is placed on the cervix to stabilize it and another
instrument is introduced into the uterine cavity in order to
withdraw a sample of the endometrial lining. The samples are
sent to a lab for examination and identification. This procedure
can cause cramping but can, at times, enable a woman to avoid
surgery.
Services
Performed by the Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Staff:
- Interviews
and collecting data.
- Nursing
advice and teaching.
- Weight,
height and blood pressure check.
- Dressing
changes, bladder catheterizations, etc.
- Administration
of various medications and immunizations.
- Comfort
Patients.
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