The indication
Clarify the problem the procedure addresses and the benefit sought in your circumstances.
Ask your professionalWhat are we aiming to achieve for me?
Published catalogue
Understand medical procedures
Move from a major medical family to a specialty, then to the clinical branch that helps you understand each intervention in context.
Medical procedures
Explore progressively by family, specialty and clinical branch — or use search and the alphabet for direct access.
Starting point · Fertility & gynecology
Matching procedures
31 procedures
Gynecology · Hysteroscopy and uterusHysteroscopyHysteroscopy passes a small camera through the cervix to examine and sometimes treat conditions inside the uterine cavity. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Ovaries, tubes and endometriosisGynecologic laparoscopyGynecologic laparoscopy uses small abdominal incisions and a camera to diagnose or treat selected pelvic conditions. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Hysteroscopy and uterusHysterectomyHysterectomy removes the uterus through an abdominal, laparoscopic or vaginal route; consequences for fertility are permanent. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Hysteroscopy and uterusEndometrial ablation or uterine curettageEndometrial ablation destroys selected uterine lining, while dilation and curettage removes tissue for investigation or treatment; fertility implications and alternatives differ. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Hysteroscopy and uterusMyomectomyMyomectomy removes selected uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus through hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, robotic or open access according to their position and size. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Ovaries, tubes and endometriosisOvarian surgeryOvarian surgery may remove a cyst, one ovary or an ovary with its tube; tissue preservation, pathology and hormonal or fertility consequences require separate discussion. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Ovaries, tubes and endometriosisFallopian tube surgery and sterilisationFallopian tube surgery includes salpingectomy, salpingostomy or permanent sterilisation; the intended effect on fertility and the possibility of failure or ectopic pregnancy must be understood. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Ovaries, tubes and endometriosisEctopic pregnancy surgeryEctopic pregnancy surgery removes the pregnancy from or with the affected tube when urgent or selected management requires an operation; follow-up and future fertility discussion remain important. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Ovaries, tubes and endometriosisEndometriosis surgeryEndometriosis surgery excises or ablates selected lesions and may involve ovaries, bowel, bladder or ureters in complex disease; goals, fertility and multidisciplinary planning vary. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Ovaries, tubes and endometriosisPelvic adhesiolysisPelvic adhesiolysis divides scar bands between organs; the reason for surgery, risk of organ injury and possibility of new adhesions require balanced discussion. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Cervix and vulvaCervical excision procedureCervical excision removes abnormal tissue using a loop or cone specimen for treatment and laboratory examination; future pregnancy and follow-up screening may be relevant. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Cervix and vulvaTrachelectomyTrachelectomy removes the cervix and selected surrounding tissue while preserving the uterine body in some cancer pathways; fertility and obstetric consequences are substantial. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Cervix and vulvaBartholin gland surgeryBartholin gland surgery drains or removes a cyst or abscess through marsupialisation or excision; recurrence, bleeding and pathology considerations differ. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Cervix and vulvaVulvar surgeryVulvar surgery ranges from local lesion excision to partial or wider vulvectomy; wound location, pathology, urinary and sexual function shape the pathway. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Pelvic floor and incontinenceVaginal prolapse repairVaginal prolapse repair supports the front or back vaginal wall and pelvic floor using sutures and selected native tissues; recurrence and bladder, bowel or sexual function matter. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Pelvic floor and incontinenceSacrocolpopexy or hysteropexySacrocolpopexy supports the vaginal vault and hysteropexy preserves and suspends the uterus; access route and use of mesh require explicit discussion. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Pelvic floor and incontinenceColpocleisisColpocleisis closes part or most of the vaginal canal to support severe prolapse and permanently changes the possibility of vaginal intercourse. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Gynecology · Pelvic floor and incontinenceSurgery for urinary incontinenceSurgery for stress urinary incontinence may use a mid-urethral sling or colposuspension; material, voiding function, alternatives and long-term complications differ. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.
Before deciding
Understand a procedure before considering it
A procedure page helps you understand an intervention. Its suitability for you is discussed with a professional, considering your circumstances, the options and what matters in your life.
Understand the purpose. Explore the options. Prepare what comes next.
The alternatives
Consider other options and the possible consequences of waiting or having no intervention.
Ask your professionalWhat other possibilities should we discuss?
Preparation
Share your medicines and medical history. Clarify the tests and instructions appropriate to the planned procedure.
Ask your professionalWhat individual instructions should I receive before my appointment?
What happens
Ask about the steps, the team and, where relevant, the anaesthesia.
Ask your professionalWhat will actually happen during the procedure?
Aftercare and recovery
Plan support at home, appointments and the return to activities with your care team.
Ask your professionalWhat follow-up should be arranged after discharge?
Risks and complications
Ask about risks relevant to you, uncertainties and what to do if difficulties arise.
Ask your professionalWho should I contact and which signs mean I should seek help?
Your questions, ready for the consultation
Write down your priorities and anything that remains unclear. Ask for explanations in a language you understand.
- What benefit can I reasonably expect?
- What might change the decision?
- Which documents and contacts should I keep afterwards?
These pointers help you prepare a discussion with a professional. They do not establish an individual indication or a preparation or recovery protocol.
Sources and reading context
NHS resources in English. The surgery pages address surgical procedures; arrangements for other procedures should be clarified with the relevant team. Local processes may differ.
- Discussing surgery with a specialist NHS · Seeing a specialist — Having an operation (surgery)
- Preparing for surgery NHS · Before surgery — Having an operation (surgery)
- Planning aftercare and discharge NHS · After surgery — Having an operation (surgery)
- Understanding consent to treatment NHS · Consent to treatment
Sources accessed on 14 September 2026
Continue with the right medical context.
Compare the related specialty and use the Guide to understand destinations, preparation and the questions to ask a professional.