At Koç Healthcare Institutions, we aim to provide you the most efficient and safe diagnostic and therapeutic options. We offer a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to our patients with the help of our cutting-edge technology. We blend research, education and clinical expertise to customize our evaluation and treatment methods for your individual needs.
In our clinics, we intend to treat gynecological conditions such as;
- Abnormal uterine bleeding: Abnormal uterine bleeding refers to any irregular bleeding from uterus which is longer or heavier than the usual menstrual period, irregular spotting in between periods or bleeding in menopause. It is a bothersome condition for women and it can be related to many different gynecological problems. Hormonal imbalances, blood clotting disorders, pregnancy, fibroids, polyps and endometrial lining thickening (endometrial hyperplasia) are the most common conditions causing abnormal uterine bleeding. We provide a comprehensive approach in evaluation and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding. Along with blood clotting and hormonal work up, 3D ultrasonographic evaluation of uterus and then if needed hysteroscopy is done for both diagnosis and treatment. Hysteroscopy is an outpatient or office procedure and consists of a camera at the tip of a lighted telescope that enables to visualize the endometrial lining of uterus.
- Pelvic pain: Pelvic pain may be caused by many different gynecologic conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and uterine cancer. In situations when blood tests and imaging modalities fail to define a specific cause, diagnostic laparoscopy may be performed to reach a diagnosis.
- Fibroids: Fibroids are estimated to affect 70% of the women by the time they reach the age of 50. Although they can be asymptomatic, many women seek treatment for fibroids. Asymptomatic women can be managed expectantly. Women who do not wish to have surgery can be treated medically or with invasive radiologic approaches such as MRI guided focused ultrasound and embolization. We provide different surgical treatments that include laparoscopic myomectomy, robotic myomectomy, hysteroscopic myomectomy, and hysterectomy. All patients are evaluated by 2D and 3D ultrasound and when necessary with MRI prior to treatment.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis refers to the condition in which endometrial lining grows outside of the uterus. It is a physically and psychologically devastating condition causing pelvic pain, ovarian cysts and fertility problems. We aim to treat each individual patient based on her symptoms and in a comprehensive special care clinic devoted entirely to endometriosis. We have a highly skilled team of gynecological and colorectal surgeons that work together who can perform advanced complicated laparoscopic surgery for difficult endometriosis cases. These include deep infiltrating lesions affecting the bowel, recurrent disease as well as remaining disease after previous incomplete surgeries. Surgical procedures are exclusively done laparoscopically or by the assistance of the da Vinci robotic platform Endometriosis Program. After surgery, we ask our patients to come routine follow up appointments. Endometriosis is a lifelong disease and entailed special attention.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: Pelvic organ prolapse is commonly associated with weakened pelvic muscles, leading to bladder, urethra, uterus or colon to drop and push against the vaginal walls. As opposed to many asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic women, it can be an utterly irritating and troubling condition. When pelvic floor exercises, physical therapy, weight loss and high-fiber diet fail to address your complaints, we offer minimally invasive urogynecological procedures such as laparoscopic colpopexy, vaginal mesh, Trans-obturator Tape (TOT) and Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT).
- Ovarian cyst: Ovarian cysts are common among women. They are most frequently benign functional cyst and generally asymptomatic. When your gynecologist wants to further evaluate any questionable cyst or a benign functional cyst carries the risks of twisting, bleeding and rupturing due to its dimensions, we recommend minimally invasive surgical options to remove the cyst.
- Congenital gynecologic anomalies: Congenital gynecologic anomalies refer to malformation of anatomical structures in embryonic life. They can affect the vagina, uterus or the fallopian tubes. They are more prevalent in women with menstrual and fertility problems. We offer a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach to congenital gynecologic anomalies. We use a combination of 2D and 3D ultrasonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and hysteroscopy to reach an accurate diagnosis. In accordance with the diagnosis, the most suitable treatment is planned and executed.
As a principle, we perform preoperative mapping with pelvic examinations and transvaginal ultrasound to avoid unnecessary Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). We regularly practice minimally invasive surgical techniques such as;
- Hysteroscopy: Hysteroscopy consists of a camera at the tip of a lighted tube. It enables your physician to visualize lining inside of your uterus. It can be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality. It is an office procedure that usually takes between 5 to 10 minutes.
- Laparoscopy (Key-Hole Surgery): Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical modality. It can be practiced both as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. In cases of diagnostic laparoscopy, a 5-10 mm incision in performed deep in the belly button, carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdomen and then a telescope with a camera is introduced into the abdomen. In cases of therapeutic laparoscopy, 2-3 other small incisions are performed in addition to the principal incision. The number varies according to the complexity of the procedure. By practicing laparoscopy, we aim for a smaller incision scar, shorter hospital stay, decreased risk of infection, reduced post-operative pain and increased quality of life.
- Mini-laparoscopy: Mini-laparoscopy refers to laparoscopy with smaller instruments and smaller incisions. In comparison with traditional laparoscopy in which instruments are 5-12 mm in size, mini-laparoscopy uses only 2-3.5 mm sized miniature instruments. This results in much smaller incision scars, better cosmetic outcomes, and decreased postoperative pain.
- Contained morcellation: We use contained morcellation technique to divide laparoscopically excised large tissues into smaller pieces and remove them from the abdomen. Traditional morcellation has been banned by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in fibroid removal surgeries. This provides safer removal of fragmented tissues.
- The Da-Vinci Robot: The Da-Vinci platform enables to perform all minimally invasive surgeries with the aid of an operating robot. Its sophisticated technology consists of 3D cameras and instruments inserted through small incisions similar to laparoscopy. The robot facilitates visualization and a more precise and flexible setting is provided to the surgeon to perform advanced and longer procedures. It is commonly used for gynecologic operations such as hysterectomy, myomectomy and endometriosis surgeries.
