Salpingectomies (removal of the tubes) to prevent ovarian cancer
Historical evidence has shown that tubal sterilisation lowers the risk of developing ovarian cancer . The reason has been postulated that ligating or closing the tubes lowers the chances of infection entering the pelvis and reaching the ovaries. There is however recent evidence that supports the theory that the fallopian tube internal lining is the primary source of pelvic cancer. It [...]
Gynaecologists are reconsidering the use of TRANSVAGINAL MESH for prolapse repair
The controversy around using transvaginal mesh for repairing a prolapse continues all around the world. At the latest 37th International Urogynecological Association meeting that was held in Brisbane in 2012 with about 1286 participants from all over the world; there was an interesting debate on the use of transvaginal mesh for prolapse repair. In particular the role of the Food [...]
COSMETIC VAGINAL SURGERY
I had the opportunity to attend a One-to-One Preceptorship with Dr M Goodman from Davis, California; in late February. Michael is an American Gynaecologist with a very large experience in VAGINAL COSMETIC SURGERY. Over the past 3 or 5 years I have seen many requests from my Gynaecological patients with perineal scar , relaxed vaginal walls, gaping perineum and [...]
What you should know about endometrial cancer (or uterine cancer)
NZ: gynaecological cancers make up 10% all cancer cases and 10% all cancer deaths NZ: 1 woman dies from a gynaecological cancer every day 315 new cases of endometrial cancer every year and 80 deaths ( GCF data) and endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in women What are the risk factors for developing endometrial cancer? 1. [...]
Painful periods should be taken seriously
According to several reports in the literature, the average woman waits around 4 to 5 years before consulting a General Practitioner about her symptoms. Furthermore it may take some years more before the correct diagnosis is made and the treatment is started. Interestingly some women have mentioned that relatives, friends and sometimes doctors have not listened to their concerns or [...]
“Beat” ovarian cancer
There are usually 316 diagnosis of ovarian cancer in New Zealand every year From those patients with ovarian cancer only 46% are alive after 5 years Ovarian cancer causes around 175 deaths every year in New Zealand Most women are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced. The symptoms resemble Irritable bowel syndrome at the beginning of the disease The [...]
Are uterine cancer and cervical cancer the same ?
Uterine cancer is the cancer arising from the lining of the uterus. It should not be confused with cervical cancer which arises from the bottom part of the uterus or cervix. Cervix is the area where your smears are taken from. A normal smear therefore does not reassure you that you do not have uterine cancer. Uterine cancer is the [...]
FALLACIES ABOUT LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY
1. If you have had a cesarean-section you can not have a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Several studies have shown this to be false. We have performed laparoscopic hysterectomy in patients with 1, 2, 3 and even 4 previous cesarean-sections. 2. If you have never been pregnant or you have never delivered a baby vaginally you must have an abdominal hysterectomy. Total [...]
What you should know about the use of vaginal MESH for prolapse repair
TRANSVAGINAL USE OF MESH FOR PROLAPSE REPAIR At this point in time the use of vaginal mesh for pelvic organ prolapse repair is CONTROVERSIAL. You will find Gynaecologists who use vaginal mesh every time that they perform surgery for prolapse repair (pelvic floor reconstruction) regardless of the age of the patient and regardless of being the first surgery for the [...]
News from Taiwan
We have recently had the opportunity to visit Taichung and Taipei, in Taiwan for an international conference given by one of the most successful French laparoscopic teams dedicated to perform keyhole surgery to treat gynaecological cancer. They provided with an update on keyhole surgical techniques for the above complex procedures and shared their experience at different french and belgium hospitals. [...]