Minimally Invasive Office Based Procedures

Colposcopy for abnormal pap smears.  This is a procedure in which a lighted, magnifying instrument called a colposcope is used to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva. During colposcopy, an instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina to widen it so that the cervix can be seen more easily. This feels like a prolonged pap smear, a biopsy may be required. The biopsy is quick and feels like a cramp that, while uncomfortable, is very brief in duration. You can participate in your normal activities the day of the colposcopy. We usually recommend pelvic rest for 24 hours.  – no sex or tampons or other objects to be placed in the vagina.

This procedure is performed to treat precancerous conditions of the cervix.  Usually a colposcopy is performed first to determine the necessity of the procedure, sometimes the two procedures are combined.

What happens during a LEEP procedure?During a LEEP, a thin wire loop is used to excise (cut out) abnormal tissue. Your cervix is then cauterized (burned) to stop any bleeding. The area usually heals in 2 to 4 weeks. The procedure will take about 10 minutes. We do premedicate you with oral antianxiety medication and pain medication to make the procedure more comfortable. You will be required to have a driver to and from the procedure and do not schedule any other appointments or activities that day. No exercise or sex until your post-operative exam 3-4 weeks post procedure

This is a common procedure performed to evaluate and treat abnormal uterine bleeding.  It is performed by placing a small scope through the cervix into the uterus.  Sterile fluid is used to inflate the uterus.  Preoperative use of medication will help with the discomfort of the procedure.  You will be required to have a driver to and from the procedure and do not schedule any other appointments or activities that day.  You can be back to your normal activities the next day.

Endometrial ablation is a procedure to permanently slow or stop your menstrual cycle. It is an alternative to hormones or hysterectomy for heavy uterine bleeding. It is performed in office under local anesthesia with oral sedation. We use the Novasure device to perform this procedure. Hysteroscopy is also used to optimize the results of the Novasure procedure. There is no down time after the day of the procedure. Bleeding after the procedure can be light to moderate for zero days to 6 weeks. Some women opt to have this procedure performed electively for bothersome periods. There is a high patient satisfaction rate with endometrial ablation performed using the Novasure method. We call it the magic wand!

Vaginal trigger point injections with botox or anesthetic to help with pelvic pain and dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)

Labiaplasty refers to a procedure to reduce the size of the labia minora. The labia minora are the folds of skin often referred to as “lips” just outside the entry to the vagina. When a woman is bothered by the size, she may opt for this procedure.  Common concerns related to enlarged labia (labial hypertrophy) include discomfort related to catching on clothing, rubbing during physical activity, and getting in the way or being pinched during intercourse. Appearance may be a factor in the decision-making.  It is important for women to know that labia come in a variety of normal shapes and sizes, and appearance should not be the major motivator for surgery in this area.

The procedure is performed in our office surgical suite under local anesthesia. It is very well tolerated by our patients. The recovery time is somewhat variable, but usually normal activity can resume after 2 weeks. Sutures are left in place for 7-10 days for optimal healing. Once the sutures are removed, normal activity can usually resume. The final results are not apparent for a few months after the procedure, so patience is key!

See King Aesthetics website for other pelvic floor treatments performed by Dr King and Kim Larson. These include vaginal rejuvenation procedures such as the oshot for incontinence and improved sexual sensation, radiofrequency therapy for pain, vaginal dryness and incontinence, nonsurgical labiaplasty, and more.