Gynaecology

The London Bridge Hospital Gynaecology Clinic is fully equipped to provide the full range of diagnostic services, including hysteroscopy and colposcopy. As well as dealing with general gynaecological problems, the clinic offers specialist advice and management of abnormal cervical smears, ovarian cysts and endometriosis. The department also offer the first formal screening service for ovarian cancer.

Should further treatment be required, the hospital has a fully equipped day surgery theatre where the full range of minimal access procedures (both hysteroscopic and laparoscopic) can be carried out. Some procedures, such as a hysteroscopy, colposcopy and loop diathermy (Lletz procedure) can be carried out in the specially equipped outpatient treatment rooms.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of the uterus (womb) using a small telescope (hysteroscope) usually following abnormal bleeding. It is common for a biopsy to be performed at the same time (which involves removing a small piece of the lining of the womb). A hysteroscopy is typically used to identify one of the following conditions:

• Fibroids (an overgrowth of the muscle of the womb)
• Polyps (a small skin tag that looks like a small grape on a stalk)
• Endometrial cancer (a malignant growth in the lining of the womb)
• Abnormally-shaped womb (sometimes associated with abnormal uterine bleeding or miscarriages)

Further information: www.aboutmyhealth.org   www.eidohealthcare.com

Colposcopy

A colposcopy involves using a bright light and a microscope to look at your cervix. The preparation is the same as for when you have a cervical smear. During this procedure, a solution of weak acetic acid (vinegar) is used to dab the cervix. This will then show up any abnormal cells as they will change colour. Should any abnormal cells be present, the consultant will be able to identify them and take a small biopsy to send away for further analysis.

For further information, contact the outpatients department on 020 7234 2107.

Loop Diathermy

A loop diathermy, or Lletz, is a minor procedure usually recommended after an abnormal cervical smear test result. You will need to be prepared in much the same way as for a cervical smear, the difference being that you will be given a local anaesthetic into the cervix at the beginning of the procedure.

The aim of the loop diathermy is to remove the area of cells which are abnormal so that they may be looked at under the microscope for further investigation. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes to perform. In many cases this will be the only treatment that you will need, though you will require follow up colposcopies to make sure that you have healed well and that there is no reoccurrence of abnormal cell growth.

London’s first screening programme for Ovarian Cancer

The Gynaecology Department are pleased to offer the first formal screening service for ovarian cancer. This is a disease that is often discovered when it has reached an advanced stage, because there are no reliable early symptoms.

Whilst ovarian cancer is less common than breast or colon cancer it is harder to treat successfully and is more lethal. Of the 7,000 new cases discovered every year, 6,000 patients unfortunately cannot be cured.  However, the good news is that if it is detected at an early stage treatment is very successful with cure rates in excess of 90% being reported. It is vital to try and detect this disease even before the woman is aware that there is a problem.

Consultant Gynaecologist, Mr David Oram, one of the UK’s leading authorities on the disease has begun a cancer screening service here at the London Bridge Hospital as well as 31 Old Broad Street, our diagnostic and outpatient centre.

For further details on London’s first ovarian cancer screening programme, please click here.