Clinical Interests
I am a Consultant Gynaecological Surgeon with over 35 years experience in different aspects of general gynaecology.
Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders
Menstrual disorders encompass a range of issues including heavy periods (menorrhagia), bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding), and irregular cycles. These conditions can significantly impact daily life, causing anemia, fatigue, and discomfort. Treatment options vary from lifestyle changes and medication to surgical interventions. Accurate diagnosis is essential, often involving pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and blood tests, to determine the underlying cause and provide effective treatment tailored to each patient's needs.
Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles, typically occurring in women aged 45-55. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness can affect quality of life. Effective management includes hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle modifications, and non-hormonal treatments. Each woman's experience of menopause is unique, and personalized care plans are developed to alleviate symptoms and support overall well-being, helping women navigate this natural transition with greater comfort and confidence.
Common Gynaecological Conditions
Abdominal pain in women can arise from various gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, or infections. Proper evaluation involves detailed medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like ultrasounds or laparoscopy. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgical options. Managing abdominal pain effectively aims to relieve discomfort, improve quality of life, and address any serious underlying conditions to ensure long-term health and well-being.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. While many cysts are benign and asymptomatic, some can cause pain, bloating, and menstrual irregularities. Diagnosis often involves pelvic exams and ultrasounds. Treatment options vary from watchful waiting and hormonal therapies to surgical removal in cases of persistent, large, or symptomatic cysts. Understanding the nature of the cysts is crucial for determining the appropriate management and preventing potential complications like ovarian torsion or rupture.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure symptoms. They are common in women of reproductive age and are diagnosed through pelvic examinations and imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs. Treatment options include medication to manage symptoms, non-invasive procedures, and various surgical techniques such as myomectomy or hysterectomy. Personalized treatment plans aim to alleviate symptoms, improve fertility outcomes, and enhance overall quality of life.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, and infertility. Diagnosis often involves pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and sometimes laparoscopy. Treatment options range from pain relief medications and hormonal therapies to surgical interventions aimed at removing endometrial tissue. Managing endometriosis requires a comprehensive approach to reduce symptoms, improve fertility, and enhance quality of life through personalized care plans.
Screening and Diagnostic Procedures
An abnormal vaginal smear, or Pap test, indicates changes in the cells of the cervix that could signify infection, inflammation, or precancerous conditions. Further evaluation typically involves colposcopy, biopsy, and HPV testing. Early detection through regular screening is crucial for preventing cervical cancer. Treatment options depend on the severity of the abnormality and may include watchful waiting, medical treatments, or surgical procedures to remove abnormal cells and prevent progression to cancer.
Colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a special microscope to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of disease following an abnormal Pap smear. During the procedure, a colposcope provides a magnified view, allowing for the detection of abnormal cells. Biopsies can be taken for further analysis. Colposcopy is a vital tool in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, guiding appropriate treatment and monitoring strategies to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Gynaecological Oncology
Womb (endometrial) cancer primarily affects the lining of the uterus and is most common in postmenopausal women. Symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and weight loss. Early diagnosis through imaging and biopsy is crucial. Treatment typically involves surgery (hysterectomy), radiation therapy, and sometimes chemotherapy. Advanced care plans are tailored to each patient, focusing on removing cancer, managing symptoms, and providing supportive care to improve survival rates and quality of life.
Pelvic Health and Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum drop from their normal position due to weakened support muscles. Symptoms include a sensation of pressure, urinary issues, and discomfort. Diagnosis involves a pelvic exam and sometimes imaging studies. Treatment options range from pelvic floor exercises and pessaries to surgical repairs, depending on the severity. Effective management aims to restore normal function, alleviate symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life.
Pelvic floor surgery addresses disorders related to the weakening of pelvic muscles and connective tissues, leading to conditions like prolapse and incontinence. Surgical procedures aim to restore the normal anatomy and function of the pelvic organs. Options include minimally invasive techniques, vaginal repairs, and abdominal surgeries. The choice of surgery depends on the specific condition, severity, and patient's overall health. Successful pelvic floor surgery improves quality of life by resolving symptoms and restoring pelvic stability and function.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine and treat conditions inside the uterus. A thin, lighted instrument called a hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix to provide a clear view of the uterine cavity. It can diagnose and treat abnormalities like polyps, fibroids, and adhesions. Hysteroscopy offers a quick recovery and is often performed on an outpatient basis. This procedure is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of various uterine conditions.
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding. It is typically considered when other treatments have failed or are not suitable. The procedure can be done using different techniques, such as laser, heat, or radiofrequency. Endometrial ablation is minimally invasive, with a quick recovery time, and is usually performed on an outpatient basis. It is an effective solution for many women, significantly improving their quality of life.
Keyhole surgery, or minimally invasive surgery, involves small incisions through which specialized instruments and a camera are inserted to perform various procedures. This technique offers many benefits, including reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and minimal scarring. Keyhole surgery is used for a range of gynecological conditions, such as removing cysts, fibroids, or performing hysterectomies. It is a preferred option for many patients due to its efficiency and the quicker return to normal activities.
Laparoscopic surgery is a type of keyhole surgery performed through small incisions using a laparoscope—a thin tube with a camera and light. This method allows for precise and less invasive procedures to diagnose and treat gynecological conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and fibroids. The benefits include reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective option for many women, offering minimal scarring and quick return to daily activities.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. This procedure involves small abdominal incisions through which a laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted. The benefits include less pain, reduced risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is suitable for various conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and uterine cancer. It allows for a quicker return to normal activities while effectively treating the underlying condition.
Management of Abnormalities
Vaginal hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus through the vagina, offering a less invasive alternative to abdominal surgery. This procedure results in no visible scars, reduced postoperative pain, and quicker recovery. It is commonly performed for conditions like uterine prolapse, fibroids, or abnormal bleeding. The advantages include a shorter hospital stay and faster return to daily activities. Vaginal hysterectomy is a safe and effective method for addressing various gynecological issues while minimizing patient discomfort and recovery time.