GYNAECOLOGY

Most women will have to visit a gynaecologist at least once in their life and we aim to make your visits to see Dr James Moir as stress free as possible. The reception staff will assist in identifying the nature of your problem, advise you on what sort of appointment you need and assess the urgency of your problem. Non-urgent appointments can be booked by the reception staff. For urgent appointments, your General Practitioner or referring Specialist is required to phone and speak to Dr Moir.

The following services are available in the rooms:

Your treatment is based on the results of this test and we will be able to advise you in 2-3 days. If it is recommended that the abnormal cells are removed, this can be done as a procedure in the rooms under local anaesthetic. It is known as a LLETZ procedure (pronounced LETS). It usually takes between 15-30 minutes. You may require someone to accompany you to drive you home and you can return to normal activities the following day.

 

TREATMENT OF ABNORMAL PAP SMEARS

At your initial consultation, Dr Moir will examine the cervix with a
   special magnifying instrument and a dye is put on to the
      surface of cervix which will show up any abnormal cells. A
          small biopsy of the area is taken (about the size of a pin
            head) and this is sent to the laboratory.

CONTRACEPTIVE TREATMENTS

Some women want to prevent pregnancy without the need to take a daily contraceptive pill, insert a diaphragm or use other contraceptive measures.

There are two methods of contraceptive treatment, which we can insert in the rooms.

Implanon implant: This is a small rod which contains contraceptive medication (progesterone only) which is slow release. The rod is inserted under local anaesthetic just below the skin of the inner upper arm, and can remain in place for 3 years. It may be removed at any time if you wish to achieve a pregnancy. Normal fertlility returns very quickly after removal of the device (again under local anaesthetic). Over 90% of women will ovulate within a month of removal.

Mirena or Copper intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD): An IUCD is a small device placed inside the uterus. It makes the environment in the uterus and fallopian tubes unsuitable for fertilization and implantation of a fertilized egg. The most commonly used IUCDs in Australia are made of flexible plastic and contain either copper or a slow release progesterone hormone. Both devices have a nylon string attached so a Doctor can remove it. Once the IUCD is removed, the woman’s fertility is restored promptly. Both types of IUCD need removing and replacing every 5 years.

ESSURE PROCEDURE

A more recent method for sterilisation is the Essure procedure. This involves a light general anaesthetic and insertion of two small coils into the inner opening of the Fallopian tubes. This is done using a small telescope through the cervix, so there are no surgical incisions in the body. It usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and is a day surgery procedure.

ULTRASOUND SCANNING

Ultrasound scans are commonly performed in gynaecology to assess the ovaries and to detect abnormalities in the uterus. Further treatment can be recommended, based on these findings.

SURGICAL PROCEDURES PERFORMED BY DR MOIR IN THE OPERATING THEATRE

  • Tubal sterilisation, including the Essure procedure
  • Pelvic floor repair for a prolapse
  • Treatment of endometriosis
  • Hysteroscopy (an examination under anaesthetic to view the uterus and identify any problems)
  • Laparoscopy (an examination under anaesthetic to view the internal organs and identify any problems)
  • Hysterectomy, either abdominal or laparoscopic
  • Removal of fibroids
  • Correction of stress incontinence, by laparoscopy or tape procedures
  • Ectopic pregnancy (where possible the procedure is performed laparoscopically and the tube preserved for future use)
  • Removal of polyps
  • Removal of ovaries
  • Suction curette (this can be following a miscarriage)
  • Minor procedures such as Marsupialisation of Bartholin's abscess, enlarge the vaginal opening and the removal of genital warts