Departments
Gynecologic Specialties
Providing patient-centered, compassionate gynecologic care is our priority. Our diverse team of gynecologists offers consultative and treatment services for a comprehensive range of gynecologic conditions. Our clinical expertise in prevention, screening, and diagnosis of gynecologic cancers, prevention and treatment of gynecologic infections, fibroid management, management of endometriosis and pelvic pain, contraceptive services, and gynecologic care for patients with HIV are just a few examples of areas in which we are proud to be making a difference in our community. We offer state-of-the-art approaches to individualize the care of women with complex gynecologic conditions, including those that are precancerous, require minimally invasive surgery, or other advanced medical or surgical treatments. We care for patients of all ages across the entire community, including those who are underserved. We offer expertise in treating a variety of conditions including: Abnormal pap smears Abnormal uterine bleeding Chronic pelvic pain Complex surgical histories Endometriosis Fibroids Menopausal symptoms Ovarian cysts Pelvic infections Precancerous changes in the vulva, vagina, cervix (dysplasia), or uterus (hyperplasia) Sexual dysfunction Additionally, we provide the following specialty services: Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) . We offer an array of advanced laparoscopic, robotic, vaginal, and hysteroscopic surgical techniques to manage benign and precancerous gynecologic conditions. Office-based procedures. We offer several in-office procedures including colposcopy and LEEP, contraceptive implant and IUD insertion and removal, diagnostic hysteroscopy, endometrial and vulval biopsies, and trigger point injections in a safe, comfortable, and convenient setting. Transgender care. We offer surgical consultation for women transitioning to men. Pre-invasive gynecology care. We provide multidisciplinary evaluation and management of abnormal pap tests and precancerous conditions of the uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva using the most up-to-date practice guidelines, in collaboration with gynecologic pathologists. Chronic Pelvic Pain. We provide a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to pelvic pain. We work with a multidisciplinary team (colorectal, urology, interventional radiology, social work, physical therapy, and vascular surgery) to address pelvic pain, which often has multiple causes. We are committed to working closely with local practices, community-based health centers, and colleagues in other medical specialties to ensure coordination of timely and appropriate gynecologic care for our patients. Our multidisciplinary approach includes partnership with primary care, other surgical specialties, pathology, radiology, social work and care coordination. We are committed to serving the community and providing access to care. Our collaborative care model includes working with the Connecticut Veterans Administration Health Care System, CornEndometriosis Program
Endometriosis, a common gynecological disease, affects one in 10 women in the U.S., and is diagnosed in up to half of women who experience infertility . Due to its nonspecific symptoms, endometriosis often goes undetected for years. Many individuals attribute their chronic pelvic pain to menstrual cramps rather than recognizing it as a symptom of endometriosis. Additionally, some may remain unaware of their condition due to silent symptoms. It can take up to a decade for some patients to receive a proper diagnosis. Normally, the uterine lining (endometrium) grows along the interior walls of the uterus, providing a cushioned and receptive environment for embryo implantation during pregnancy. However, in endometriosis, the endometrium grows outside the uterus, commonly on the exterior of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines, or other pelvic structures. This displacement frequently leads to chronic pelvic pain and may cause secondary symptoms, such as irritability, difficulty sleeping , anxiety , depression , or low self-esteem. Over time, endometriosis induces inflammation, bleeding, and scar tissue formation within the pelvic cavity, regardless of whether the patient experiences pelvic pain. The presence of scar tissue can hinder fertility. Early diagnosis of endometriosis, before the formation of scar tissue, can help preserve fertility. A delayed diagnosis may pose challenges for conception, even with assisted reproductive procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) . To confirm endometriosis, clinicians biopsy a small sample of uterine tissue and examine it under a microscope for signs of the condition. For patients diagnosed with endometriosis, the news may bring emotional relief after years of pelvic pain without a clear cause. Our providers offer treatments to alleviate chronic pain and related physical and emotional symptoms, and assess whether endometriosis has contributed to infertility. Treatment options for endometriosis include medications and/or surgical procedures, such as excision surgery, to relieve pain, remove scar tissue, and improve organ function. These treatments may also prevent a recurrence. In cases of endometriosis-related infertility, clinicians may recommend IVF or other assisted reproductive therapies to enhance pregnancy chances. Many patients with endometriosis benefit from therapy alongside medical treatments. Additionally, we conduct various research projects, offering patients access to medication and testing at no cost. Throughout the infertility journey, our counselors support patients with endometriosis, explaining different assisted reproductive technologies and helping patients understand their options fully.Colorectal Surgery
We offer surgical care for a wide variety of colorectal conditions and diseases. Harnessing the latest diagnostic techniques and technologies, we emphasize minimally invasive surgeries to provide the most effective treatments available. Our expertise ensures that whenever possible, our patients experience shorter hospital stays and less postoperative discomfort. Our nationally recognized colorectal surgeons and nurse practitioners work together to address our patients’ needs in managing colon and rectal conditions and cancers. We work together with primary care providers and other specialists to optimize our patients’ health and provide them with a comprehensive network for all of their care.Surgery
Yale’s Department of Surgery is a premier center for adult and pediatric surgical treatment, providing comprehensive care for a full range of conditions and diseases. To ensure that our patients experience shorter hospital stays and less postoperative discomfort, we employ the latest technologies and surgical techniques, and perform minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. Our renowned surgeons and faculty continue to push the frontiers of surgical science through innovative treatment and leading-edge research, with the ability to offer treatment options that can be difficult to find elsewhere. More state-of-the-art surgical suites at Yale New Haven Hospital than in any other hospital in the region Collaboration with the Yale Department of Biomedical Engineering and with industry to develop 3-D bioprinting for the regeneration, repair, and replacement of human tissue and vessels Nationally recognized Center of Excellence and designated training center for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) Yale’s Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory is an internationally renowned multidisciplinary research group in which surgeons work with endocrine geneticists to decipher the molecular genetics of endocrine tumor disease First program in Connecticut to offer three different minimally invasive bariatric surgical techniques: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, LAP-Band® surgery, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomyObstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
Yale’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences is dedicated to helping women at all stages of life. A global leader in women’s health, Yale is known for its innovative contributions to diagnosis and treatment, including: Developing the first fetal echocardiography Pioneering the first obstetrical ultrasound Developing the first fetal blood sampling and first fetal transfusion Offering the first chorionic villus sampling in New England Co-authoring the first U.S. study for first-trimester risk assessment Developing the first comprehensive first-trimester risk assessment program in New England Inventing fetal monitoring and many prenatal diagnostic and treatment techniques Our physicians tap into the broad expertise of our entire institution to provide compassionate, customized care for all of our patients, from adolescence through adulthood. Through eight subspecialty areas, we offer the most advanced diagnostics and therapies that harness the latest advances in technology. Recent clinical research includes a new emphasis on therapeutic vaccines in gynecologic oncology, novel treatments for endometriosis and menopause, a comprehensive patient safety program in maternal-fetal medicine, and an advanced fetal therapy program. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Family planning Gynecologic oncology Gynecologic specialties Maternal-fetal medicine Obstetric specialties & midwifery Pediatric & adolescent gynecology Reproductive endocrinology & infertility Urogynecology & reconstructive pelvic surgery Maternal-fetal medicine service offers 24-hour on-site dedicated space for complex pregnancies and fetal care First in Connecticut to perform in-utero laser therapy in pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome Outstanding survival outcomes for all types of gynecologic surgery, from open to robotic Pioneer in caring for patients with sexual intimacy issues after cancer surgery Fetal therapy program Midwifery and birthing centerGynecologic Oncology Program
The focus of the team of clinicians who form the Gynecologic Oncology Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for women with gynecologic cancers. Women diagnosed with vulvar, vaginal, cervical, uterine, fallopian tube, or ovarian cancers are provided with exceptional care from Yale’s experienced team of gynecologic oncologists at the hospital’s dedicated Women’s Center. In addition, the team also treats soft tissue tumors of the pelvis, gestational trophoblastic disease, as well as women with precancerous changes that have been identified in the vulva, vagina, and cervix, including dysplasia and carcinoma in situ, or premalignant changes of the endometrium, including adenomatous hyperplasia. The physicians of the Gynecologic Oncology Program offer a wide spectrum of advanced strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers, including colposcopy evaluation, conformal radiotherapy, and novel, targeted chemotherapies. The multidisciplinary program has experts from the obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences; radiation oncology; radiology and biomedical imaging; genetics; pathology; pharmacy; and social work. A dedicated patient coordinator facilitates patient appointments and communication, coordinates services, and supports each patient and their family. Surgery for previously untreated gynecologic cancer Surgical treatment of cancer is the most common option for previously untreated cancers. These operations include radical hysterectomies for cervical cancer, cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer, radical vulvectomies for vulvar cancer and total abdominal hysterectomies, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomies, and lymphadenectomies for the staging and treatment of endometrial cancers. Conventional laparoscopic and robotic surgery is available to women in need of surgery for uterine cancer, as well as for removal of the uterus, tubes, and ovaries. Prophylactic surgery, including hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or bilateral salpingectomy with ovarian conservation, is also available to women looking to prevent ovarian cancer occurrence. Preservation of fertility in women with gynecologic cancers whenever possible is always a priority. We perform radical trachelectomies in women with early-stage cervical cancer who desire fertility preservation. For women with early-stage, low-grade endometrial cancers, hormonal therapy is prescribed. Chemotherapy Management The Gynecologic Oncology Program provides a full spectrum of chemotherapeutic agents used in the management of ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, uterine cancer, mesenchymal tumors of the uterus, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. These chemotherapeutic agents may be used either for primary treatment or treatment of recurrent disease. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, i.e., chemotherapy prescribed before surgical treatment, is often used for women with advanced ovarian cancer to reduce the sYale Cancer Center
Yale Cancer Center is Connecticut's only cancer center designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute—and one of only 54 in the nation. The significance of this designation has profound implications for those who choose Smilow Cancer Hospital as the place where they will be cared for and receive treatment for their cancer. National Cancer Institute cancer centers are national leaders in cancer research, prevention, detection, and treatment. This provides patients at Smilow Cancer Hospital with novel treatment options and expert care.