Gynecology and Obstetrics

Gynecology and obstetrics care comes with decisions that rarely feel straightforward, what matters is finding answers that actually fit your situation. Biruni Hospital keeps the focus on what works, not what sounds impressive.

While Turkey is known for its medical system, the real difference is how that system adapts to what each patient actually needs.

What is gynecology and obstetrics?

Gynecology and obstetrics cover everything tied to the female reproductive system, but each deals with a different scope. Gynecology looks at long term health concerns, while obstetrics steps in when pregnancy becomes part of the picture. 

Both are closely linked, because many women move between the two throughout their lives. When managed together, the care is more consistent, more useful and less fragmented.

Some key aspects include

• Identifying and managing reproductive system conditions that affect daily life or long term health
• Handling pregnancy from early monitoring to labor and post delivery recovery
• Offering preventive tools like pap smears, ultrasounds, and breast checks to catch problems early
• Performing surgical procedures when needed, including c sections and hysterectomies
• Supporting fertility through treatment plans tailored to individual goals and medical needs

What are the main types of gynecology and obstetrics procedures ?

The main types of gynecology and obstetricsprocedures include pelvic exams, Pap smears, ultrasounds, and prenatal screenings. Surgical procedures may involve cesarean sections, hysterectomies, laparoscopies, and treatments for conditions like fibroids or endometriosis.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy means removing all or part of the uterus, usually when other treatments stop working or risks like cancer appear. Sometimes it includes taking out the cervix, ovaries or fallopian tubes depending on what the situation demands. 

This is a permanent choice, so it’s never rushed. The decision depends on the patient’s age, health and future pregnancy plans. It changes the body and life rhythm, which is why it requires clear planning and understanding.

Here are typical steps and aspects involved

• Thorough pre surgery checks including exams and imaging to understand what needs removal
• Choosing the surgical approach whether open or minimally invasive depending on the case
• Preparing the patient with general anesthesia for safety and comfort during the operation
• Carefully removing the uterus and any other necessary tissues
• Monitoring closely in recovery for bleeding, infections or anesthesia side effects
• Scheduling follow ups to watch recovery and hormone changes if ovaries were removed

Cesarean section

A cesarean section is a surgical way to deliver a baby through incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It’s done when vaginal birth poses risk to mother or child. Sometimes planned, sometimes decided during labor. 

This surgery needs teamwork and has a longer recovery compared to vaginal birth. Pain management and wound care become priorities after surgery.

The procedure typically includes

• Preparing the mother with anesthesia, usually spinal or epidural, to keep her awake but pain free
• Making careful cuts through skin and uterine walls to reach the baby
• Delivering the baby safely and passing them to specialists for immediate care
• Removing the placenta and inspecting the uterus before stitching up
• Monitoring the mother closely after surgery for any complications
• Providing ongoing support for healing, pain relief and emotional adjustment

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery where a small camera is inserted through tiny cuts in the abdomen, letting doctors see inside and treat issues like cysts, fibroids or scar tissue. 

It’s preferred for quicker recovery, less scarring and is also used to investigate pelvic pain or infertility causes without major surgery.

Key aspects and steps of laparoscopy

• Reviewing medical history to confirm this method fits the patient
• Using general anesthesia to ensure comfort and muscle relaxation
• Inflating the abdomen with gas through a small incision for better visibility
• Inserting the camera and possibly instruments for treatment
• Performing necessary repairs like removing cysts or adhesions
• Closing small incisions and monitoring recovery focusing on pain and infection

Dilation and curettage

Dilation and curettage is a procedure to clear or sample tissue from inside the uterus. Commonly done after miscarriage to remove leftover tissue or to diagnose abnormal bleeding. 

It involves gently dilating the cervix and scraping the lining. It’s sensitive with risks so only done when needed with proper anesthesia.

Usual steps followed

• Assessing patient history and imaging to confirm need
• Administering sedation or anesthesia based on case specifics
• Gently opening the cervix to allow instruments inside
• Scraping the uterine lining and collecting tissue for analysis
• Monitoring for bleeding, cramps or infection signs after
• Analyzing tissue if required to guide treatment

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy lets doctors look inside the uterus with a thin camera inserted through the cervix. Useful for investigating heavy bleeding or spotting growths without abdominal incisions. 

Sometimes small procedures like polyp removal happen during the same session. It offers precise diagnosis and treatment with less trauma.

Steps and details

• Confirming reason through tests and symptoms
• Choosing sedation or anesthesia depending on procedure depth
• Inserting camera through vagina and cervix into uterus
• Filling uterus with fluid for clear view of lining
• Inspecting and possibly removing abnormal tissue or taking biopsies
• Brief observation after to catch cramps or bleeding complications

What Are the necessary preparations before gynecology and obstetrics procedures ?

Medical history review

Going over the patient’s medical history comes first, it means looking into previous surgeries, chronic illnesses, allergies and current medications. Knowing this helps doctors avoid surprises and plan the safest approach for the procedure.

Physical examination

A thorough physical check focuses on the overall health but especially on reproductive organs. The doctor looks for anything unusual, infections, or problems that could affect how the procedure is done. This step shapes the treatment plan and timing.

Diagnostic testing

Depending on symptoms and procedure type, tests like blood work, ultrasounds, scans or biopsies are done. These give a clearer picture of what’s happening inside and reveal any risks that need managing before moving forward.

Medication management

Sometimes medications need to be adjusted. Blood thinners might have to stop to reduce bleeding risk or antibiotics prescribed to prevent infection. Patients get clear instructions on what to take or avoid to keep things safe and smooth.

Fasting and lifestyle guidelines

For surgeries needing anesthesia, fasting rules come into play. No food or drink for a set time before the procedure. This lowers anesthesia risks. Besides quitting smoking or alcohol might be advised to improve healing and cut complications.

Psychological preparation

Mental readiness is often missed but matters. Patients get straightforward information about the procedure, risks and recovery. This helps clear doubts and makes cooperation easier during treatment.

Logistics and support

Practical arrangements matter too. Patients plan how they’ll get home and who will support them, since after the procedure moving around might be tough. Having this sorted avoids unnecessary problems and stress.

What happens during the post-operative period after gynecology and obstetrics procedures ?

Recovery after gynecology or obstetrics procedures doesn’t happen overnight. It follows stages that start right after surgery, and stretch over weeks or even months depending on the complexity of the procedure and how the body handles it.

Short-term healing involves

• Keeping an eye on vital signs like blood pressure Heart Rate Temperature and Oxygen Levels to catch problems fast
• Checking the surgery site often for redness Swelling Discharge or Bleeding that could mean infection
• Giving pain meds as needed Adjusting doses so the patient isn’t under or over medicated
• Pushing gentle movements like sitting Standing and Walking short distances to improve circulation and avoid clots
• Monitoring bladder and bowel functions since anesthesia can cause constipation or trouble urinating
• Laying out clear wound care instructions on cleaning Drying and Dressing changes
• Spotting systemic symptoms such as fever Chills Nausea or Vomiting that might hint at complications
• Teaching patients what serious symptoms look like such as sharp pain Heavy Bleeding or sudden Swelling
• Keeping an eye on mental health since recovery and hormone changes can mess with mood
• Scheduling follow-ups to check on healing and do any scans if needed

Long-term healing involves

• Making sure patients stick to follow-up visits to review recovery and handle any symptoms
• Using hormone replacement if needed to deal with changes after ovary removal
• Doing physical therapy or pelvic floor workouts to rebuild strength and avoid dysfunction
• Adopting lifestyle tweaks like better diet Exercise and Managing stress to aid healing
• Watching for anxiety or depression which often show up during recovery
• Planning reproductive health or family choices with doctors
• Staying alert for signs of old problems returning or new ones developing
• Easing back into daily routines and work when the body is ready
• Keeping open lines with healthcare teams for any fresh concerns
• Committing to healthy habits long term to maintain overall wellness

What all this means for your next step

Gynecology and obstetrics aren’t just about treatment. They shape how the body heals, changes, and moves forward with or without future plans. Each step, from diagnosis to long-term recovery demands clarity, trust and realistic care. And that’s exactly what Biruni Hospital focuses on every day, with no distractions or shortcuts.