Office-Based Surgery at Associates for Women’s Medicine

A surgeon in blue scrubs, mask, and gloves performs a medical procedure on a patient, while another medical professional works in the background in an operating room.As an alternative to the large hospital surgery center, AWM offers its patients the opportunity to have their procedures performed in our fully accredited Surgical Suite. Located in our Fayetteville practice, our Surgical Suite offers patients a quiet setting, personal service, and the ability to have surgery performed within an office setting. Our physicians are highly trained surgeons who make every effort to provide the finest surgical care available.

We at Associates for Women’s Medicine are pleased to announce that our Surgical Suite in our Fayetteville, NY office has been recently accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation shows our commitment to providing the highest levels of quality care to our patients, and the same high level of conduct in our business practices. Accreditation by AAAHC is proof of this commitment and signifies that we have met the rigorous standards of a nationally accredited third party.

Common surgical procedures performed in our surgical suite include, but are not limited to:

  • Hysteroscopy
  • Dilation & Curettage (D&C)
  • Ablation (Minerva)
  • LEEP

Comfort & Pain Management

We know that walking into an in-office procedure can feel more comfortable when you understand your options beforehand. Depending on the procedure, your medical history, and your personal preference, we offer several ways to help manage pain and anxiety — from oral medication to nitrous oxide to local anesthesia. You and your provider will talk through what fits best before your visit.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, sometimes known as “laughing gas,” is a fast-acting gas that helps ease anxiety and take the edge off discomfort during procedures such as IUD insertion or removal, endometrial biopsy, and office hysteroscopy. You breathe it through a mask and control your own dose. Its effects wear off within minutes, so most patients can resume normal activities and drive themselves home the same day.

Paracervical Block

A paracervical block is a local anesthetic injected around the cervix to numb the area before procedures like IUD placement, cervical biopsies, LEEP, or dilation and curettage. It’s a well-established option for reducing procedural pain, and it’s often combined with other methods, such as oral medication or nitrous oxide, for added comfort.

Local & Topical Anesthesia

For shorter or less invasive procedures, we may apply a topical numbing gel or spray directly to the cervix or skin, or use a small local injection. This can reduce discomfort on its own or serve as an added layer of comfort alongside other pain management methods.

Oral Premedication

Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen, before your appointment can help reduce cramping. If you feel anxious about an upcoming procedure, we may also recommend a mild oral anti-anxiety medication to take beforehand.

IV Moderate Sedation

For more involved office-based procedures, IV sedation may be available to help you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout. This option requires monitoring during your visit and a driver to take you home afterward, since it can affect alertness for the rest of the day.

Every patient experiences pain differently, and there’s no single right answer. Your provider will review these options with you ahead of time so you can decide together what makes the most sense for your procedure and comfort.