Dr. Riegel -- Office Procedures

Procedures

Breast Aspiration: a needle is inserted into a cystic mass of the breast under ultrasound guidance. The fluid is sent for cytologic examination to rule out a malignancy.

Colposcopy: microscopically-enhanced examination of the vulva, vagina and/or the cervix to diagnose observed abnormalities which could be pro-cancerous. Strongly recommended following an abnormal pap smear or if an abnormality is noted on routine exam. A biopsy is usually performed if the abnormality appears truly suspicious for disease. Colposcopy alone takes about 5 - 10 minutes. The only discomfort is possibly mild stinging from the white vinegar applied to make the lesion more visible. Biopsy and endocervical curettage cause greater discomfort and some bleeding may be noted.

Dilation & Curettage (D&C): the lining of the uterus and/or contents of the uterus are removed by this surgical procedure. Used to diagnose and treat abnormal bleeding conditions and to remove the tissue from the uterus during a miscarriage.

Endometrial Biopsy: a sampling of the lining of the uterus using a tiny catheter. Used to diagnose abnormal bleeding conditions in the office. May result in cramping and bleeding.

Hysterectomy: surgical removal of the uterus for a variety of benign and malignant conditions. Can be combined with removal of the follopian tubes and ovaries and with bladder and vaginal repairs for support.

Abdominal Hysterectomy: the uterus is removed through and incision in the abdomen, requires 3-4 days of hospitalization and 3-6 weeks of recovery time.

Vaginal Hysterectomy: the uterus is removed vaginally, requires an overnight hospital stay and a few days to two weeks recover time.

Labaroscopic-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy: the difficult aspects of vaginal hysterectomy are performed through the laparoscope, then the procedure is finished vaginally. The procedure allows a vaginal hysterectomy in women who would not normally qualify due to safety concerns.

Hysteroscopy: using a small lighted scope instrument, the endocervical canal and endometrial cavity are examined for abnormal bleeding condition, congenital malformation and infertility, treatment can proceed at the same time in many instances.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): on the day of ovulation, a semen specimen is taken to a lab and centrifuged, the sperm pellet is re-suspended in solution and brought to the office where the specimen is placed directly into the uterus. The procedure greatly increases the number of sperm available for fertilization. This is especially useful for couples with sperm antibodies and low sperm count or can be combined with ovulation induction agents.

Laparoscopy: the abdominal cavity is filled with carbon dioxide gas, then a lighted scope is placed through a small incision in the umbilicus. This procedure is used to diagnose and treat numerous conditions of the pelvis including: pelvic pain, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic adhesive disease, fibroids and when tubal sterilization desired.

Laparotomy: surgery involving incision of the abdominal wall. This is used when conditions require a larger opening in abdomen: to remove diseased tissue, to more carefully explore the abdomen, or to proceed in an emergent fashion during a life-threatening emergency, requires a 2-3 day post-operative hospital stay and 3-6 weeks recovery time.

Laser Vaporization: use of a laser to treat vulvar, vaginal or cervical pre-cancerous lesions. It causes a superficial burn which easily heals back to normal skin.

Loop electo-surgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ): in-office surgical procedure performed on the cervix to excise lesions and/or treat pre-cancerous conditions, performed under local anesthesia.

Myomectomy: resection of fibroid tumors of the uterus, usually performed through a laparotomy, leaving the uterus intact. Indicated for women who want to preserve the uterus. Usually performed for pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or a grossly enlarged uterus causing pressure or discomfort.

3108 Midway Rd.
Suite 100
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 608-8979