Dr. Sharma’s surgical expertise include surgery for:
· Minimally Invasive Surgery Using da Vinci Robot
· Carcinoma of the Uterus (Endometrial)
· Carcinoma of the Cervix
· Carcinoma of the Ovary
· Carcinoma of the Vulva and Vagina
· Complicated Benign Gynecologic Surgeries Such As:
- Extensive Endometriosis
- Uterine Fibroids
- Patients with Multiple Previous Surgery
· Abnormal Pap Smear and Colposcopy Procedures (Done In Our Office)
· Laser Procedures
Colposcopy/Biopsy
A procedure called a Colposcopy is done to provide a closer examination of the cervix and vagina, than the routine pelvic exam. The same instrument, a speculum, is used to enter the vagina as when a Pap Smear test is done. In addition, however, the physician visualizes with a magnifying instrument very similar to a microscope with special lighting.
During the colposcopy, it may be necessary to do a biopsy which will involve the removal of a small amount of tissue for further microscopic examination by a pathologist.
For maximum recovery, restrict activities as much as possible for approximately 24 hours. Resting at home is advisable. Extensive walking may prolong or initiate additional bleeding.
Some mild discomfort may occur during or after the procedure. Mild, non-aspirin, pain relievers as suggested by your physician, may be taken as directed.
A gauze packing, or tampon, may be inserted into the vagina to minimize bleeding that may occur after the biopsy.
You may notice some spotting for a few days after the biopsy – This is normal. Any bleeding that is more than your usual menstrual flow needs to be evaluated.
Sexual intercourse may aggravate the healing process. It is recommended that you refrain from intercourse for 3-4 days.
Management of Precancerous Conditions
LEEP or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure is an effective method available to gynecologists to treat early precancerous diseases of the cervix similar to laser surgery. The LEEP procedure has two advantages being both a diagnostic and a treatment modality.
During the LEEP procedure, a wire loop is passed vertically through the cervix by the physician while viewing the area through a colposcope. The electrical current passing through the wire loop cuts the affected area of the cervix, which is then sent to the Pathology Department for examination. The physician is able to control cervical bleeding with a special probe. The physician can eliminate diseased tissue while causing little or no damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Healing is rapid with healthy cells multiplying quickly to heal the area removed.
Preoperative/Postoperative Instructions
Laser surgery is an effective method available to gynecologists to treat a wide variety of benign and early precancerous diseases of the cervix, vulva and vagina. During laser surgery the beam is directed by the physician while viewing the area through an operating microscope. The energy of the laser beam causes the diseased cells to be instantly evaporated – like water becoming steam. The physician can eliminate diseased tissue while causing little or no damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Healing is rapid with healthy cells multiplying quickly to heal the area removed.
Preoperative/Postoperative Instructions
Please Note: For these procedures, you will be contacted by a nurse from the hospital to give further instructions.
da Vinci Robotic Surgery
The da Vinci Robotic Surgery, often referred to as minimally invasive surgery is Dr. Sharma’s expertise. He has performed more of these procedures than any physician in his specialty in the state of Illinois, performing over 2,000 robotic surgical procedures. Robotic surgery is performed using long instruments inserted through small incisions in your abdomen. One of the instruments has a tiny camera at the end and the camera sends images to a video monitor in the operating room to guide the doctor during the operation. The da Vinci robot enables the doctor to operate with enhanced vision, precision and control and benefits the patient by reducing the length of hospital stay and overall recovery time compared to an open surgical procedure.
Open Surgical Procedure
An open surgical procedure involves making an incision in your abdomen so the doctor has a full view of the abdominal area. Depending on your diagnosis, an open surgical procedure may be the best option for you. Dr. Sharma will explain to you why an open surgical procedure is your best surgical option and will explain the procedure to you in further detail when you meet with him during your visit.