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Women’s Health Services

Empathetic and passionate about all aspects of your gynaecologic needs.

Gynaecology Conditions

Gynaecology Procedures

Minimally Invasive Gynaecologic Surgery

Gynaecology Conditions

Comprehensive gynaecological care.

What’s different about me?

My mission is to promote women’s health and to care for women across every stage of their lives.

I promote a respectful, empathetic, compassionate, and informative approach when addressing your gynaecological concerns. My aim is to empower you with the information required to make safe, informed decisions, to achieve the best possible quality of life.

I understand that women’s health issues are deeply personal. I am open and approachable and like to get to know my patients. I want you to feel comfortable to discuss all aspects of your well-being, sexuality and reproductive health. I take the time to listen and to understand how each woman’s unique circumstances affect her as an individual. I educate my patients so that they feel more in control of their situation.

I will allocate a generous initial appointment with you for a comprehensive assessment and examination. This allows me to delve into your symptoms and present you with treatment options that align with your specific situation and goals. To complement our discussions, I will provide you with evidence-based patient information handouts for you to take home, allowing you to further understand your condition and the proposed management options.

I believe in a collaborative approach to optimally manage your gynaecologic health. My role is to offer honest, unbiased professional advice and provide the latest evidence-based information to craft a personalised plan tailored to you.

I allocate personal time outside of regular hours to engage in educational sessions and webinars on a weekly basis. I am a lifelong learner. I continuously invest in my knowledge to ensure that I remain up to date so I can tailor my expertise to you when you see me.

I have had extensive training and the highest qualification in gynaecological surgery (AGES surgical skill Level 6), so you can trust that you will receive the finest treatment under my care.  Should surgery be required, I possess proficiency in various surgical techniques. Following a comprehensive assessment, examination, and workup, I will offer you the most suitable surgical option, one that aligns with your wishes and medical status, and I will explain the associated risks based on your personal circumstances.

I encourage you to review this AGES document on how to choose a specialist gynaecologist: Click here

Gynaecologic Conditions

Painful periods are the most commonly reported gynecological complaint amongst women and it occurs in 60% to 90% of women. Endometriosis affects approximately 70% of women with painful periods. Delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are a common problem, with some women taking up to seven years to receive a diagnosis. As such, timely review by an endometriosis expert is essential.

There are many types of ovarian cysts and pelvic masses. A thorough clinical history, examination and imaging will guide appropriate management.

Pelvic pain can arise from your bowel, reproductive or urinary tract.

This is menstrual bleeding of abnormal quality, duration or schedule. It includes heavy periods, irregular periods, bleeding with sex, bleeding between periods and bleeding after menopause. The cause may be the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina or something else.

Uterine fibroids are a benign (non-cancer) tumor in the uterus. About 80% of women will have fibroids in their lifetime. Not all women with a fibroid will have symptoms or even know about their presence. Fibroids can cause bleeding, pelvic pain and/or infertility.

One in 6 Australian couples of reproductive age experience fertility problems. The cause of infertility is 30% female-related, 30% male-related, 30% combined female and male related, and the remaining 10% is unexplained whereby the couple is healthy with no cause for the infertility found. You should seek medical review if you are under 35 years of age and have been trying for a baby for more than 12 months, or 35 years and over and have been trying for more than 6 months.

Is a common condition affecting 1 in 10 young girls and women in their reproductive years. Features include ovarian cysts, irregular and infrequent menstrual cycles, excess face and body hair, acne, weight gain, reduced fertility and increased risk of diabetes, amongst other health conditions.

This is also known as recurrent pregnancy loss, a devastating experience for women attempting to have a baby. Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as two or more pregnancy losses and affects 1% of couples.

Early pregnancy problems may include bleeding, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. As such, early pregnancy can be a stressful time for women, especially for those that have waited a long time for the pregnancy or who have experienced previous early pregnancy problems. 

Contraception prevents pregnancy; there are a range of different methods suited to the needs and conditions of each individual woman.

The cervical screening test checks the health of your cervix. More specifically, it checks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that causes a change in the cells of the cervix. This virus is the most common cause of cervical cancer.

Vaginal prolapse is a common condition where the bladder, uterus and/or bowel protrudes into the vagina. It may present as a vaginal lump, heaviness, ache, dragging sensation, pain, or bladder or bowel problems.

Urinary incontinence is when you involuntarily leak urine. You may leak urine when you cough, laugh, jump or run (known as stress urinary incontinence), or you may leak urine when you have a sudden ‘urge’ but can’t make it to the toilet in time (known as urge urinary incontinence or overactive bladder). Bladder problems may also manifest as symptoms of ‘urgency’ whereby you get a sudden ‘urge’ to pass urine and have to rush, going to the toilet too often in the daytime, getting up at night to go to the toilet, bladder pain, or a feeling that you are not completely emptying your bladder.

Perimenopause is the stage of life leading up to your last menstrual period, which is known as menopause. During this stage, you may experience some of the symptoms of menopause. For most females, menopause occurs between 45 to 55 years of age. Perimenopause can last up to 10 years. Menopause is defined as the end of menstruation and having no period for 12 months.

Refers to different conditions and infections that affect a woman's external genitalia (vulva) and vagina.

A well woman check is a recommended regular health check and screening, along with healthy lifestyle choices, to promote the prevention of illness and optimise overall health and wellbeing. This includes a check of your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar level, heart and cardiovascular health, cervical ccreenin, breast health, sexual health, ovaries and uterus, bladder and bowel, fertility, mental and emotional health and immunisation. 

Gynaecology Procedures

Dr Girgis performs a wide range of gynaecological procedures, including complex gynaecological surgery. She is accredited to perform the highest level of advanced robotic and laparoscopic surgery (AGES/RANZCOG Level 6), holding certification as an Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon with the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society. Dr Girgis has expertise in all areas of minimally invasive surgery.

Procedures offered include:

  • Robotic Surgery (combines minimally invasive techniques with advanced robotic technology, enabling highly precise surgery)
  • Laparoscopic (keyhole surgery)
  • Advanced Laparoscopic Endometriosis surgery
  • Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) – laparoscopic, vaginal or abdominal
  • Myomectomy (removal of fibroids) – laparoscopic, hysteroscopic and abdominal
  • Advanced Hysteroscopic Surgery: Removal of polyps and fibroids, Endometrial Ablation
  • Adhesions
  • Removal of ovarian cysts and masses
  • Incontinence surgery – laparoscopic and vaginal
  • Vaginal prolapse surgery – laparoscopic and vaginal
  • Fertility surgery and tubal patency check
  • Tubal ligation
  • Laparoscopy for ectopic pregnancy
  • Surgery for abnormal cervical screening result / LLETZ
 

Office procedures include:

  • Colposcopy / Vulvoscopy
  • Mirena IUD removal and insertion
  • Vaginal pessary insertion and management
  • Endometrial aspirate
  • Lesion biopsies
  • Abscess Incision and drainage / Bartholin’s marsupialisation

Your Gynaecology Journey

First consultation, surgery & recovery

Once referred by your GP for a gynaecological condition, you will have a personal consultation with Dr Girgis. Dr Girgis will perform a comprehensive assessment that includes a symptom history, examination, and a possible procedure in the treatment room.

You will undergo relevant tests and require a follow-up appointment. Dr. Girgis will explain your condition, treatment options (such as physiotherapy, medication, or surgery), and their expected outcomes. If surgery is recommended, she will discuss the procedure, its’ benefits, risks, expected recovery, and whether minimally invasive/laparoscopic surgery is suitable. Afterwards, the ideal surgery timing will be scheduled.

You’ll have time to consider the recommendations. If you opt for surgery, Dr. Girgis will guide you through the consent and paperwork. You’ll receive relevant handouts and information. A quote for Dr Girgis’ surgical fees will be provided; the anaesthetist and hospital charges are billed separately. You are advised to check your health insurance coverage.

You must not consume food for 6 hours before surgery (water is allowed up to 2 hours prior). Upon hospital admission, you’ll enter the perioperative waiting area and receive care from a nurse.

The surgery team will meet you in the anaesthetic bay.

Afterward, you’ll be taken to the theatre room.

Following surgery, recovery occurs in a dedicated area.

Depending on your procedure, you may be discharged or spend a night in the ward.

Dr. Girgis oversees your hospital stay and provides post-surgery instructions. You will be required to arrange a follow-up appointment with Dr Girgis to assess your recovery, discuss findings, show you surgical photographs (if you are happy to see them) and plan further management.

Minimally Invasive Gynaecologic Surgery

Robotic and Laparoscopic surgery offered at the top skill level. The same surgery but with smaller incisions, less pain, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stay.

Laparoscopy, often referred to as keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves the use of specialised instruments and advanced surgical skills to perform surgery through small incisions instead of a larger cut.

Robotic-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with enhanced dexterity, precision and three-dimensional visualisation, facilitating complex procedures through a minimally invasive approach.

A fine video camera called a laparoscope is introduced into the abdomen through a small incision to provide the surgeon a magnified and detailed view of the pelvic organs. Additional small incisions are strategically made to accommodate specialised instruments, allowing the surgeon to delicately navigate and manipulate internal structures and to perform the surgery. 

This minimally invasive approach minimises trauma to tissues and offers numerous advantages, including smaller scars, reduced postoperative pain, shorter recovery times, and less complications such as blood loss and infection compared to traditional open surgery.

Performing robotic or laparoscopic surgery for complex disease demands a great deal of surgical planning, and exceptional precision, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and in-depth knowledge of pelvic anatomy. Every movement is meticulously controlled, requiring mental endurance and composure when faced with challenging anatomical variations and diseases. Dr. Girgis has undergone extensive training to excel in laparoscopy, even for complex cases.

While Dr. Girgis strives to offer minimally invasive surgery whenever possible, it’s important to note that not all patients are suitable candidates. She is skilled in various surgical approaches and will work with you to explain the pros and cons of each approach and recommend the most suitable surgery for you.

‘Good surgery begins in the consulting office where I meet with you. During this important phase, I perform a comprehensive assessment, delving into your medical history and individual needs. I meticulously plan your surgery, accounting for all variables and prioritising what matters most to you. A lot of preparation takes place behind the scenes. This includes mentally planning the surgical steps that will best suit your unique body, your anatomy, and your condition. I also ensure that any underlying medical conditions are optimised and effectively communicated with the Anaesthetist and our dedicated theatre staff. A successful surgery is a collaborative effort and I rely on my robust surgical team, including my skilled Anaesthetist, the dedicated theatre nursing staff, and my surgical assistant. I work closely with colorectal and urology surgeons to care for women with gynaecologic conditions involving their bowel and urinary tract. I carefully plan the selection and placement of surgical instruments, at times going as far as requesting specific equipment to be ordered or purchased specifically for your operation well ahead of your surgery date. In the operating room, I provide clear and decisive leadership, guiding the team with a focused plan designed to achieve the best possible outcome for you. As such, you can appreciate that there is extensive preoperative and post-operative planning and care, to ensure your well-being throughout your surgical journey.’

– Dr Myriam Girgis