Module 12: Female Reproductive Procedures

Pap smear/Pap test

A screening test for cervical cancer that involves the microscopic examination of cells connected from the cervix smeared on a slide, and specially stained

BRCA Gene Testing

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are tumor suppressor genes that normally acts to restrain the growth of cells

• Mutations of these genes are responsible for about half of cases of inherited breast cancer, especially those in young women

Biopsy

The removal of a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to check for cancer cells. Or other abnormalities

Colposcopy

A procedure in which a lighted magnifying instrument/colposcope is used to examine the vagina and cervix

• Procedure is usually performed after abnormal Pap smear

Conization

The surgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal

• May be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition

Cryosurgery

A treatment performed with an instrument that freezes and destroyed abnormal tissue

Pendulous

Hanging down loosely; poised without support; swinging freely

• Breasts that hang down

Breast Augmentation

Artificial enlargement of breasts

Mammography

A technique whereby low dose x-rays are used to show the structure of the breast and any abnormalities present

Mammoplasty

A surgical reduction of breast size

Mastectomy

A removal of the breast, usually to remove cancerous tissue

Dilation & Curetttage (D&C)

A minor operation in which the cervix is expanded enough to permit the cervical canal and uterine lining to be scarped with a spoon-shaped instrument (curette)

• Used to remove abnormal material from uterus

Hysterectomy

An operation to remove uterus

Myomectomy

Surgery to remove a fibroid from the uterus

Oophorectomy/Ovariotomy

Removal, by operation, of an ovary

Salpingectomy

Excision of one or both of uterine tubes

Salpingo-oophorectomy

Surgical removal of a uterine tube and its accompanying ovary

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO)

Surgical removal of both uterine tubes and the accompanying ovaries

Tubal ligation

A form of surgical sterilization used as a contraceptive option in women who never want to become pregnant in the future

Sonogram

A record obtained by ultrasonic scanning; the image

Ultrasonography

The use of ultrasound to produce image of structure in the body that can be viewed on a screen and transferred to photographic film; the process to produce an image

Transvaginal Ultrasound

The creation of a picture by sending sound waves out through a probe inserted into the vagina

Amniocentesis/Amino

Before-birth procedure in which a long needle is used to obtain amniotic fluid from within the uterus

Cerclage

The encirclement with a ring, loop, wire, or ligature

• Usually performed on the cervis to prevent a miscarriage

Epidural anesthetic

A anesthetic injected into the epidural space surrounding dura to partially number the abdomen and legs

Amniotomy

The intentional rupture of the amniotic sac by an obstetrical provider

• “Breaking the water”

Episiotomy

A surgical procedure for widening the outlet of the birth canal to facilitate delivery of the baby to avoid a jagged rip of the area between perineum

• Repair is completed by simple stitching

Cesarean section/C-section

A procedure in which an infant is surgically removed from the uterus rather being born vaginally

Apgar score

A method of assessing at birth whether or not a baby requires resuscitation

• Newborn routinely assessed at 1 minute of age and 5 minutes of age

• With values of 0, 1, and 2 to each five signs: Color, Heart rate, muscle tone, respiratory (breathing) effort, and the response to stimulation

BSO

Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectmy

Bx

Biopsy

C&S

Culture and sensitivity

CS

Cesarean section

D&C

Dilation and Curettage