Essential Gynecologist Tools and Their Challenges During Surgery

Gynecology is a field that deals with the complications related to the female reproductive system.

In healthcare, the delicate nature of the female body always demands special attention. Her physical well-being is crucial for improving the quality of life, as she indirectly contributes to the progress and development of a nation. The process of childbirth, the menstrual cycle, and the fluctuating hormones always put her in some complications. Considering all these aspects, gynecology has emerged as a distinct medical specialty. It deals with the problems and diseases related to the female reproductive system. Over the years, this field has evolved remarkably with the invention of new, complicated tools. In this blog, we will discuss some essential gynecologist tools, their uses, and the challenges associated with them in clinical practice.

Vaginal Speculum

The vaginal Speculum is specially designed to expose the vaginal and cervical walls. It can be made up of steel or plastic and has two blades with a lock mechanism. It is size-adjustable, portable, and self-retaining. But it also has some disadvantages; it cannot provide complete protection to vaginal walls and cannot expose the posterior and anterior sides of vaginal walls. It has three common types:

Sims Vaginal Speculum
Auvards Vaginal Speculum
Cusco’s Bivalvular Vaginal Speculum

Hodge Pessary

Hodge Pessary is used for the treatment of Vaginal Prolapse and Pelvic support. It is made from silicone, rubber, or latex. Its shape may be flat or circular. It is user-friendly and portable. And it is one of the cheapest gynecology instruments. However, gynecologists always face difficulty in size adjustment. It must be removed and cleaned regularly to avoid any allergic reactions.

Sims Uterine Sound

Sims Uterine Sound falls in the category of gynecology tools designed to determine the length and direction of the uterus to treat several disorders. Moreover, it helps in disease differentiation. It has a grooved handle with ascending widths from the working end to the knob. Some of the disorders associated with it are:

Cervical stenosis
Uterine defects
Uterine polyps
Vesico-vaginal fistula
Pseudo prolapses It can also cause some harm to the reproductive system, i.e., it may become a source for the spread of infection, can disturb pregnancy, and can cause perforation in the body of the uterus.

Uterine Dilators

Uterine Dilators are gynecology instruments that are known for their diversity. They comprise 15 different types with varying thicknesses. They may be single or double-ended with a uniform width throughout. The dilation of the cervix is their primary purpose. It may cause complications like infection transmission, cervix enlargement, and abortion.

Surgical Forceps

Forceps are basic gynecology tools but play a significant role in providing support during a gynecological operation. It can be used for the following purposes:

To repair the prolapse
To grasp the cervix during pregnancy
To examine the movement of the uterus
To remove cervical and corporeal polyps

In gynecology, three common types of forceps are used:

Ovum forceps
Ring and sponge forceps
Vulsellum forceps It can cause some serious complications if not applied properly. For example, enlargement of the cervix, spread of infection, and bleeding.

Uterine Curettes

Like forceps, Uterine Curettes also fall in the category of gynecologist tools. They play a supporting role in a Gynecological operation. It is used to manage abortions and bleeding during pregnancy and to remove the endometrium polyp. The design consists of the three basic parts of a dissecting instrument but with a curetting end that may be blunt, sharp, or spoon-shaped. It can cause complications like infection, uterus enlargement, and heavy bleeding, which may lead to peritonitis.

IUCD (Intrauterine Contraceptive Device)

IUCD is one of the smallest gynecology instruments that is inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is very effective and shows quick results. A person can face problems during or after their application, such as mood changes, acne, nausea, and pelvic pain. Moreover, it can be the cause of some serious complications, such as cervical cancer, abortion, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Vacuum Extractors

Vacuum Extractors are also gynecology tools used during delivery to increase the flexion rate. It may also help in controlling bleeding or in completing cervical dilation to help remove the baby's head. It can cause some complications as well, such as skull injuries, vaginal lacerations, and cervical incompetence.

Other Instruments

Fetal Scalp Electrode: It measures the heartbeat of the baby inside the uterus.
Amnihook: It is used during delivery to rupture the amniotic sac.
Scrapers: They diagnose cervical cancer and are used for sampling of the endocervix.

Conclusion

Gynecologist tools are diverse with complicated design and functionality. Effective operation of these tools requires extensive training and professional experience. Regardless of their advantages, some complications remain associated with them, posing a challenge for healthcare.

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