Minimal access surgery for gynaecology
Visitor Information
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Our minimal access gynaecology service uses a range of medical and surgical options to help manage common and potentially debilitating gynaecological conditions such as fibroids (non-cancerous womb tumours), endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, ovarian cysts and polyps. Almost all operations are performed as 'keyhole' surgery, either via laparoscopic surgery (through small incisions in the abdomen or via hysteroscopic surgery (through the vagina without incisions on the abdomen).
We have a national reputation for advanced laparoscopic surgery and are recognised as a centre for surgical treatment of complex endometriosis by the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE). We are one of a small number of centres that can offer an extensive range of treatments for fibroids and in particular laparoscopic surgery for large and multiple fibroids. We also have a dedicated endometriosis and fibroid nurse specialist on our team.
Conditions and treatments
Our service uses medical treatments and we have a wide range of both hormonal and non-hormonal medication available. In addition we can provide surgical and radiological procedures to treat gynaecological conditions such as:
- Fibroids: Myomectomy (removing fibroids) via keyhole surgery or open surgery, - uterine artery embolisation (UAE) to cut blood supply to fibroids and keyhole Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
- Endometriosis: Ablation or excision of endometriosis through keyhole surgery, keyhole hysterectomy, and sclerotherapy to endometriomas.
- Ovarian cysts: Excision or drainage via keyhole surgery, including for large tumours
- Menorrhagia (abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding): Endometrial ablation and resection (destruction or removal of the lining of the womb), and Hysterectomy
Clinics
Endometriosis clinic and minimally invasive gynaecology clinic at St Mary’s Hospital
Address
Second floor
Winston Churchill wing
St Mary’s Hospital
Praed Street
London W2 1NY
Hours
The endometriosis clinic is held every Thursday afternoon. The minimally invasive gynaecology clinic is held every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.
The Fibroid clinic is held on Thursday morning.
Contact information
Phone (appointments): 020 3312 1501
Phone (clinic): 020 3312 1525
Email address for endometriosis: imperal.endometriosisadvice@nhs.net
Email address for Fibroids: imperial.fibroidsadvice@nhs.net
Meet the team
Minimal access gynaecological surgeon and obstetrician
Mr Tariq Miskry, lead
Mr Tom Setchell
Nurse practitioner and endometriosis nurse specialist
Ms Alessandra Musa
Patient information
Before your appointment
If you are a new patient, you can expect to receive your appointment within six to eight weeks of referral. You are welcome to bring a relative or close friend with you to your appointment. You are also welcome to ask for a chaperone and we will endeavour to provide one for you. We suggest you wear comfortable clothing that can easily be removed to your appointment, as you will likely have an examination. It would be helpful if you could bring the following to your appointment:
- Your full address and telephone number(s)
- Your appointment card and appointment letter
- Your GP’s name and address
- Money to pay for any prescriptions, or an exemption card
- A list of questions you may want to ask the nurse or doctor
- A list of medications you are taking
- Any results of investigations or operations and letters about previous medical care
During your appointment
Please check in with the receptionist. Your appointment will likely take 15 to 30 minutes, but please allow up to two hours for your appointment, as appointment times can vary.
Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.
At your first appointment you will see a gynaecologist who will take a detailed history of your symptoms and perform an examination if needed. If further investigations (e.g. blood tests, swabs or scans) are indicated these will be arranged. The doctor will then explain the underlying diagnosis and treatment options, if possible. If admission for a surgical procedure becomes necessary this is booked from the clinic.
After your appointment
Depending upon the outcome of your appointment, you may be discharged back to your GP or we may arrange for a follow-up appointment. We will send your GP a letter summarising the findings and treatment recommendations discussed at your appointment. You will receive a copy of this letter.
Patient information leaflets
Refer to this service
GPs
Please use NHS e-Referrals to refer a patient to our minimal access service.
GP advice
GPs are welcome to call gynaecology secretaries for advice and enquiries related to referrals.
Phone: 020 3312 1796