At last, here is a user-friendly guide to gynecologic surgery. The authors' guiding principle is that each woman for whom any kind of surgery is recommended should be well informed about the indications, the risks, and the expected results. Only with such knowledge can a woman make a sensible decision for herself. Using anecdotes drawn from a combined fifty years of experience, doctors Moore and de Costa provide clear and accurate information about women's anatomy, physiology, common gynecological ailments, diagnosis, alternative treatments, and, finally, full details about surgery itself. Among the surgeries discussed are removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy), and removal of fibroids. The various ways of performing these procedures are examined, including minimally invasive surgery done through the laparoscope. The authors also help the patient through the postoperative phase, revealing what to expect, how to make the recovery easier, and how to take care of herself after the surgery. The result is a book that empowers women as they weigh their options with regard to gynecologic surgery.

List of Figures and Tables
Preface
Your Anatomy-Where Things Are
Your Physiology-How Things Work
What Goes Wrong (1) - Some Common Gynecologic Diseases and Problems
What Goes Wrong (2) - Gynecologic Cancers and Precancer
Reaching a Diagnosis-What to Expect
Nonsurgical Treatment of Gynecologic Problems
Surgical Treatment-Traditional, or Open, Procedures
Traditional Hysterectomy-What to Expect
The Risks of Traditional Surgery
After the Surgery
Other Gynecologic Surgery and Treatments
Laparoscopic Surgery-How It's Done and Why
The Risks of Laparoscopy
Laparoscopic Surgery-How Will You Feel?
Choices and Medical Resources
Other Endoscopic Surgery
Tips to Help Make a Sensible Decision
Quick Guide to Terms Used in This Book
Additional Resources
Index

Michele C. Moore, M.D., FAAFP and Caroline M. de Costa