GynecologyWhether you need a routine annual exam or help with a specific medical condition,
the obstetrician/gynecologist physicians at Highlands are experts in all areas of gynecology and women’s care. During
routine annual exams, our physicians perform Pap tests, clinical breast exams
and answer any questions you may have about your body. They also can provide guidance
about birth control options, if necessary. In addition to routine gynecology exams,
our physicians offer a range of advanced treatment options, such as the da Vinci hysterectomy procedure. Some common gynecologic conditions are listed below, along with several procedures
that our physicians use to help treat them.
Gynecologic ConditionsEndometriosisEndometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue, which normally grows only inside
the uterus, implants in areas outside the uterus. During your monthly period,
the endometrial tissue inside your uterus thickens, then breaks down and flows
out of your body. When you have endometriosis, the uterine tissue implanted in
other areas of your body does the same thing. However, since the tissue is not
located in the uterus, it cannot flow out of your body. This can cause pain, scar
tissue, cysts, and difficulty getting pregnant. There are several treatment options
for endometriosis, including laparoscopic gynecological surgery to remove the scar tissue and implanted tissues.
![]() Pelvic RelaxationIn your body, a group of muscles and ligaments make up the “pelvic floor” that
holds your internal organs in their proper places. In some women, the pelvic floor
may weaken, causing the internal organs to shift and drop near the vaginal area. Depending on which organs descend, symptoms can include urinary incontinence,
overactive bladder, constipation, lower back pain, prolapsed organs and a variety
of other symptoms. In mild cases of pelvic relaxation, strengthening exercises
can help reverse the condition. In other cases, a support can be inserted into
the vagina or surgery may be needed to fully repair the relaxation.
Polycystic Ovarian SyndromePolycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which multiple, small cysts appear on the ovaries. Women with
PCOS often have difficulty ovulating, which causes low levels of progesterone,
infrequent or missed periods and difficulty getting pregnant. PCOS can often be
treated with medication. The gynecology physicians at Highlands can determine
which treatment options are right for you.
Uterine FibroidsUterine fibroids are relatively common in adult women. While some women have no symptoms from
these benign tumors, some experience abnormal or heavy bleeding and pelvic pain.
Symptoms can sometimes be managed with only medication, but there are several
procedures that can offer relief. These include uterine artery embolization, which
stops blood supply to the fibroid, and myomectomy which is the surgical removal
of fibroids.
![]() In-Office TreatmentsColposcopyIf you have received abnormal Pap results, a colposcopy may be performed to allow your physician to visually examine your cervix. The
procedure is performed in much the same way as a Pap smear. During a colposcopy,
a vinegar solution is placed on the cervix to make the abnormal cells more visible.
(This is similar to applying peroxide to a cut and seeing the infected area turn
white.) Then, a large microscope with a bright light called a colposcope is placed
near your body so that your physician can clearly see the cervix. The colposcope
allows your physician to see the abnormal cervical cells, and if your physician
is able to view the entire abnormal area, a tissue sample may be taken and sent
to the lab for further evaluation.
CryotherapyCryotherapy is a freezing procedure that destroys abnormal cells on the cervix. Cryotherapy
is often performed during a colposcopy if the physician can see all of the abnormal
cells. If your physician is unable to view the entire abnormal area, a LEEP procedure
may be performed.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision ProcedureIf you have received abnormal results from a biopsy of your cervical cells, you
may need a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) to remove the abnormal cells present on your cervix. A LEEP procedure uses a
thin loop of mildly electrically-charged wire to remove the abnormal cells. As
with a colposcopy, a vinegar solution may be applied to the cervix to make the
abnormal cells more visible. Your physician then will numb your cervix and use
the thin loop of wire to remove the cells. With a LEEP procedure, only a small
amount of normal tissue is removed along with the abnormal tissue and the tissue
that is removed can be further examined to determine if other abnormalities are
occurring deep into the cervical tissue. Most times, a LEEP procedure removes
all of the abnormal cells and you will not require further surgery.
Surgical ProceduresIn addition to providing diagnostic care, our physicians are also skilled surgeons.
Many gynecological surgery procedures, such as treatment for endometriosis, can
be performed laparoscopically.
HysterectomyOne of the most common surgical procedures for women is a hysterectomy. Women
may require a hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal uterine
bleeding, or uterine prolapse. There are several surgical options available, including
minimally-invasive hysterectomy, and your doctor can discuss which one is right for you. Hysterectomies can
be performed by a cut through the abdomen, a cut through the vagina, laparoscopic
hysterectomy, supracervical hysterectomy and even hysterectomies completed with
the help of da Vinci robotic technology. Highlands is one of the only practices in the area with a physician who specializes in the da Vinci hysterectomy procedure. With the help of the robotic technology, the surgery can be performed with
only tiny incisions.
![]() For more information about gynecology care, including options like the da Vinci hysterectomy, contact our Greenville office serving all of Upstate, SC today to schedule an appointment. |



