Common Problems
A wide variety of problems may need surgical attention, and all have more than one approach available surgically. The common problems leading to surgery include (but are not limited to):
- Abnormal Bleeding Patterns
- Endometrial Polyps
- Leiomyoma (Fibroids)
- Adenomyosis
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian Cysts/Masses
- Adnexal Cysts/Masses
- Adhesions
- Pregnancy Problems
- Uterine Anomaly/Septum
- Hymen Problems
- Pain with Periods (Dysmenorrhea)
- Pain with Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
- Pain with Urination (Dysuria)
- Pain with Defecation (Dyschezia)
- Sudden Severe Pelvic Pain
- Fallopian Tube Problems
- Infertility
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Vaginal Septum
- Bartholin’s Gland Problems
Depending on a number of factors the various surgical approaches may or may not apply to you and your situation. This is why initial evaluation is so important. Dr. Clark is among the areas most experienced Gynecologic surgeons, and provides a comprehensive set of options for all these procedures.
Surgical Methods
No Surgery
Sometimes the best option may be to not perform surgery. It is important to keep in mind that our approach is to consider the least invasive methods first.
Hysteroscopy
A method of surgery which requires no incision. A small telescope is placed through the vagina, and then through the cervix into the uterus. This allows visualization of the inside of the uterus, and can be coupled with several techniques to help with a number of uterine problems.
Laparoscopy
A method of surgery utilizing a telescope placed into the abdominal cavity through a small incision. This allows for a wide variety of potential surgeries to be done (often utilizing additional small incisions), ranging from diagnostic evaluations to hysterectomy. This technique is used in some form for the majority of the surgeries that Dr. Clark performs.
Robotic Assisted
A type of laparoscopy that utilizes a robot, the da Vinci® Robot, to allow for minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Clark is highly accomplished using this tool, being the first to perform Robotic Assisted Surgery at UMass Memorial Medical Center.
No Scope or Open Surgery
A method of surgery that requires a larger incision. Sometimes there is no way to avoid a large incision, for several reasons. Through this type of approach virtually any Gynecologic Surgery can be done.
Our philosophy is to always consider the least invasive methods first, because recovery time is substantially less, allowing you to get back to living your life!
Procedures
We provide a full range of Gynecologic and Reproductive Surgeries, often in a minimally invasive approach. Here are some (not all) commonly done procedures by Dr. Clark:
- Sampling of the Endometrium, Dilation and Curettage
- Removal of a Vaginal lesion (for instance a Septum or Cyst)
- Removal of a Vulvar lesion
- Removal of Cervical Lesion
- Colposcopy, with or without Biopsy of Cervix
- Hysteroscopy, Diagnostic
- Hysteroscopy, Surgical
- Laparoscopy, Diagnostic
- Laparoscopy, Surgical (Cysts/Masses, Evaluate Tubes, Adhesions, Endometriosis, Myomectomy, Hysterectomy, Appendectomy if needed)
- Robotic, Laparoscopy (Same as above)
- Open Abdominal Surgery (Same as above)
- Among many others
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us!