With recent advances in medical technology, many procedures that historically took place in the hospital surgery department can now be completed in your doctor’s office. Gynecological procedures are a great example of how patients are benefiting — through better outcomes with less time and expense — from this trend.

One of the procedures we can do in the office that used to take place in the surgery department is endometrial ablation. An alternative to a hysterectomy to stop heavy periods, the new forms of endometrial ablation only last about 90 seconds and emit energy to remove the lining of the uterus. The entire procedure, from when you walk in the door to when you walk out, takes about an hour and a half, much shorter than the five hours it may take for surgery.

Hysteroscopic sterilization is one of the newer procedures we are able to do in the office. A process for permanent sterilization, hysteroscopic sterilization works by placing small coils into the fallopian tubes that scar the tubes and lead to sterilization. Results are confirmed by X-ray three months after insertion. The ease of this procedure is what’s amazing. Female sterilization used to be a complex surgical procedure that included the usual risks associated with surgery and long recovery times. By using new technology to perform sterilization in the office, women now have an option that is almost as easy for them as a vasectomy is for men.

Both endometrial ablation and hysteroscopic sterilization in the office setting are not only faster than going to the hospital, they are also safer because general anesthesia is not used. There are no incisions in either procedure so there is no risk of infection and no scarring. Most women are up and around following their procedures and back to normal activities the next day. Additionally, having the procedure in the doctor’s office instead of in surgery often means lower out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Not everyone is a good candidate for in-office procedures; my focus is always on the right care for the patient. But knowing your options and utilizing services that offer you safer care that is convenient and affordable is the best way to be involved in your health care.

Dr. Daskalos can be reached at Samaritan Albany Obstetrics & Gynecology at 541-812-4850.