Below is a general overview of the procedures offered at Alexandria Healthcare:
Healthy Pregnancy – We provide advice and counseling on how to cope with all aspects of your pregnancy from dealing with morning sickness to how to prepare for your hospital stay and what to expect in the delivery room.
High Risk Pregnancy – These are pregnancies where the life or health of either the mother or baby may be at risk. An estimated one in four women experience pregnancy complications and in these cases we offer a full range of services in order to minimize the effects of these problems.
4-D Ultrasound – With this procedure we can actually take a picture of the baby’s face while it is still in the womb.
2-D Ultrasound – Sonograms, or scans as they are often called, provide us with valuable information about your baby while it is still in the womb. These scans allow us to monitor your baby’s development so that you can relax knowing that everything is progressing as it should.
Urogynecology
Urinary Incontinence – In conjunction with Urologists at our hospital, we evaluate and treat numerous causes of urinary incontinence including urge incontinence and stress incontinence (leakage of urine with coughing or straining).
Pelvic Floor Reconstruction – When the muscles on the pelvic floor become damaged or weak – often as a result of childbirth – they are unable to support the weight of some or all of the pelvic and abdominal organs. If this occurs, one or more of the organs may drop below their normal positions, causing symptoms including discomfort, pain, pressure and urinary incontinence. Depending on the requirements of the patient we offer both non-surgical and reconstructive surgery for this troublesome condition.
Urodynamics – A term that describes a series of diagnostic tests used to evaluate voiding disorders. These tests will provide answers to clinical questions that arise about a patient’s bladder and outlet function if they are suffering from specific complaints such as incontinence, urgency, pain, slow stream, frequency, hesitancy and other urinary problems.
Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery – We are able to perform surgery using advanced laparoscopic techniques. These techniques reduce pain, discomfort and recovery time.
Laparoscopy – A minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat a range of abdominal or pelvic problems.
Hysterectomy – We perform this surgery using four different methods (vaginal/laparoscopic/abdominal/robotic assisted) depending on the needs of the patient.
Robotic Assisted Surgery – Allows us to provide rapid recovery from extensive surgery by avoiding large incisions on the abdomen. These techniques require a greater amount of skill and are technically more difficult. These skills are enhanced now with the daVinci robotic surgical system which we are pleased to offer as a treatment option. This allows us to deal with complex pelvic pathology and adhesions while still maintaining a minimally invasive approach. This includes minimally invasive surgery and hysterectomy after multiple previous c-sections.
Pelvic Floor Reconstruction – When the muscles on the pelvic floor become damaged or weak – often as a result of childbirth – they are unable to support the weight of some or all of the pelvic and abdominal organs. If this occurs, one or more of the organs may drop below their normal positions, causing symptoms including discomfort, pain, pressure and urinary incontinence. Depending on the requirements of the patient we offer both non-surgical and reconstructive surgery for this troublesome condition.
Hysteroscopy/Ablation – This minimally invasive surgical technique uses the hysteroscope (a small lighted telescopic instrument) to perform a variety of therapeutic procedures such as the removal of fibroids, polyps and the uterine lining. In our office, we are able to perform endometrial ablation as well.
Tubal Sterilization – Depending on the needs of the patient we are able to perform this permanent sterilization procedure using a variety of techniques including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery or a non-incision method called ESSURE or hysteroscopic tubal sterilization which can be performed in an office setting in about 5-10 minutes.
Lysis of Adhesions – Adhesions are abnormal tissue attachments between internal organs, which can develop due to previous surgeries or diseases. Because they prevent the normal movement of the organs, adhesions can affect the functioning of the organs, causing chronic abdominal pain. Because diagnosis of adhesions can be difficult using standard gynecologic examination, CT scans or ultrasound we use a long, thin telescope called a laparoscope, inserted into the abdomen through a single small incision, to view the abdominal cavity and determine if adhesions are present.
Condyloma Excision – Condyloma are genital warts, sometimes resembling cauliflower, that occur on or near the genitals and are caused by human papillomavirus. These can be treated nonsurgically or through removal (excision) by a scalpel or laser. This may be done in the office or at an outpatient surgery center.
LEEP – Cervical LEEP is a procedure used to treat cervical dysplasia, a precancerous change in the skin on the cervix. Many patients with abnormal PAP smears have an underlying dysplasia. LEEP involves numbing of the cervix and then using a special wire loop to remove the abnormal area. The procedure itself is usually painless, although some mild cramping may occur afterward. The whole procedure typically takes about ten minutes to perform and is normally done in an office setting.
Cryotherapy – Another treatment we offer for cervical dysplasia is cryotherapy, or freezing. This procedure involves placing a probe against the cervix which cools it to sub-zero temperatures. The cells damaged by freezing are shed over the next month. The main advantages of freezing are that it is simple to do and easier for the patient.
Vulvar and Vaginal Repairs – Any abnormality of the vulva or vaginal may need surgical repair. This may include a prolapsed bladder or vaginal wall.
D&C – This surgical procedure is used to remove the lining (endometrium) and contents of the uterus. The D & C is most often used to diagnose and treat abnormal uterine bleeding. It is also used to treat incomplete spontaneous miscarriage. We normally perform this procedure in a hospital or day surgery setting.
Cesarean Section – When necessary we are capable of performing a surgical delivery of a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and the uterus called a Cesarean Section (C-section).
Gynecology
Annual Exams – Every woman over eighteen who values her health should have an annual physical exam. Our annual exam procedure includes a review of your health history, a general physical exam, pelvic exam and Pap smear, breast exam, evaluation of other health screening tests depending on your age and state of health and a review of your current medications and immunization requirements.
Healthy Living – We offer advice and counseling to women on a variety of topics concerning how to maintain their health including diet, exercise, birth control and life planning.
Healthcare Screening – Screening tests, such as mammograms, Pap smears and bone density scans, can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. Some women need certain screening tests earlier, or more often, than others. We offer advice on which tests are right for you, when you should have them, and how often.
Surviving Menopause – Menopause can be a difficult and confusing time in a woman’s life. In order to smooth this transition we have a program designed to give our patients the knowledge and strategies necessary to help them cope with this life changing event.
Managing Menses – We specialize in treating problems arising from the menstrual cycle such as excessive bleeding, frequent bleeding, missed menses, pain with menses, pms, mood swings, and breast tenderness. We have many options for treatment.
Pelvic Pain – The two major causes of chronic pelvic pain are endometriosis and the buildup of scar tissue after surgery, called adhesions. If left untreated, these conditions can often lead to much more serious health risks. We take seriously any patient who tells us she is suffering from this condition in order to provide as prompt and effective treatment as possible.
Contraception – We offer advice on all aspects of contraception in order to assist our patients in determining which method is right for them.
STD Screening – Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases. The United States has the highest rates of STDs in the industrialized world with more than 13 million men and women infected each year. They affect men and woman of all types of social and economic background but nearly two-thirds of STD’s occur in teenagers and young adults under 25. They often represent a serious health risk to women and their babies. Therefore, we offer discrete, confidential screening for all types of STD’s including AIDS, Herpes, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
HPV Vaccine – This vaccine is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists for females aged 9-26 years to prevent them from being infected by the genital human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a major risk factor for preinvasive and invasive cervical cancer. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that the vaccination routinely be given to girls when they are 11 or 12 years old.
Abnormal Pap Smears – An abnormal Pap smear could indicate the presence of an underlying condition that requires further diagnostic procedures and treatment. As specialists in women’s health we understand your concerns and are able to provide you with the advice and treatment necessary to resolve whatever medical problem may be present.
Colposcopy – Colposcopy is a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of abnormalities found in Pap smears. A colposcopy is a visual examination of the cervix–a relatively simple and painless procedure, usually performed in our office. The actual procedure lasts approximately ten to fifteen minutes.
Ultrasound – Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus. It is beneficial in monitoring the progress of the pregnancy and offers the expectant mother their first look at their baby.
Bone Density – Bone scans are measurements of the amount of bone in a particular site, usually the lower part of the spine, the hip, the forearm or the heel. The amount of bone measured by a scanner is often called the ‘bone density.’ We use these scans, together with other information, to assess the likelihood of fractures and whether any treatment is required.
Osteoporosis – Up to 20% of a woman’s lifetime bone loss may occur in the years immediately following menopause. Although you cannot feel it happening, this bone loss can lead to postmenopausal osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones that makes them weaker and more susceptible to fractures. Fortunately, when appropriate, we can offer a variety of drug treatments depending on what is best for you.
Ovarian Cysts – Many women have ovarian cysts without having any symptoms. Sometimes, though, a cyst will cause symptoms such as pressure, fullness, or pain in the abdomen, dull ache in the lower back and thighs, pain during sexual intercourse, weight gain and other health problems. If a cyst is diagnosed we will work together with you to monitor its progress and determine the best course of treatment.
Fibroid – Uterine Fibroids are benign growths of the uterine muscle occurring in 30-40% of women. Most fibroids do not cause any problems and do not require treatment. Some fibroids however can cause heavy periods which can lead to anemia and debilitation. If the fibroids grow large they can lead to ‘compression syndrome’ in which adjacent organs such as the bladder and the bowel may be compressed, leading to frequency of urination or constipation and bloating. Compression syndrome may also cause backache and sciatica. We offer various forms of treatment when required for this condition.
Bleeding Problems – Abnormal vaginal bleeding can be an indication of the presence of another medical problem some serious and some not so serious. Regardless of the cause any woman who suffers from such bleeding should have an exam to determine the cause.
Breast Exams – In addition to breast self exams clinical breast exams should be conducted on a regular basis by a qualified health care professional.
Reproductive Medicine
Preconception Counseling – There are many important steps that a couple needs to take when planning a pregnancy. That is why it is very important that both partners are prepared both physically and emotionally for this event. We offer a program designed to ensure that both the mother and father are mentally and physically prepared for this life changing event.
Infertility Workup – We have all the facilities necessary to do a complete infertility workup including a physical exam, evaluating your medical history, semen analysis, assessment of ovarian reserve, evaluation of fallopian tubes, blood and other tests all designed to identify the cause of your infertility.
Ovulation Induction – Ovulation induction is a safe and effective means of helping infertile women who do not ovulate or who ovulate irregularly. We carefully select the correct treatment regimen and diligently monitor the process in order to accomplish the patient’s goals.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by anovulation (irregular or absent release of eggs from the ovary) and hyperandrogenism (elevated testosterone and other androgenic hormones). Patients with this syndrome may complain of abnormal bleeding, infertility, obesity, excess hair growth, hair loss and acne. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments for this condition including both drug and surgical therapies.
Ultrasound – Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. It will allow us to look closely at the female organs and determine if there are any abnormalities which could explain infertility.
Endometriosis – The tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus is called the endometrium. Unfortunately, in some women the tissue grows outside the uterus. This condition is called endometriosis and affects an estimated 10 to 20 percent of American women of childbearing age. While some women with endometriosis may have severe pelvic pain, others who have the condition have no symptoms. We offer a variety of treatments including surgical and non surgical as each clinical scenario dictates.
In Office Testing
In Office Testing – We offer a variety of in office testing including ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and laboratory facilities. We also offer numerous in office treatment options to minimize your recovery as well as cost.