Gynecologic Oncology
At the Saint Alphonsus Women’s Specialty Care Center, our goal is to care for the unique health needs of women. We provide a full range of services, including general gynecology and cancer care.
Our team includes Dr. Patrick Connor, a board-certified gynecologic cancer specialist, and Polina Kokoulina, PA. They provide complete care for women with both non-cancerous conditions and gynecologic cancers. They understand how cancer can affect many parts of a woman’s life—including future plans for children, relationships, physical health, emotional well-being, and the entire family.
We also offer:
- Access to clinical trials
- Genetic counseling and cancer risk testing
- Programs to help reduce fatigue and improve well-being after cancer treatment
Our team works together to provide advanced, high-quality care for every patient.
Conditions We Treat
- Cervical cancer – Cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus.
- Ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer – Cancers that start in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the lining of the abdomen.
- Ovarian borderline malignancy – An ovarian tumor that is abnormal but usually less aggressive than ovarian cancer.
- Uterine cancer – Cancer that starts in the uterus (womb).
- Gynecologic sarcomas – Rare cancers that start in the muscles or connective tissues of female reproductive organs.
- Gestational trophoblastic disease – A group of rare conditions involving abnormal growth of cells related to pregnancy.
- Laparoscopic and robotic (da Vinci) hysterectomies – Minimally invasive surgeries to remove the uterus using small incisions and specialized tools.
- Leiomyosarcoma – A rare cancer that starts in smooth muscle tissue, often in the uterus.
- Lower genital tract disease (intraepithelial neoplasia) – Abnormal cell growth in the vulva, vagina, or cervix that may lead to cancer if untreated.
- Vaginal cancer – Cancer that starts in the vagina.
- Vulvar cancer and vulvar melanoma – Cancers that start in the outer female genital area (vulva), including a type of skin cancer called melanoma.
- Endometrial hyperplasia – Thickening of the lining of the uterus, which can sometimes lead to cancer.
- Bladder and rectum prolapse – A condition where the bladder or rectum drops down and pushes into the vagina.
- Stress urinary incontinence – Urine leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
- Abnormal uterine bleeding – Bleeding from the uterus that is heavier, lighter, or occurs at unexpected times.
- Vaginal and rectovaginal fistula – An abnormal opening between the vagina and another organ, such as the rectum.
- Wound infections – Infections that develop after surgery or an injury.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – Infections in the bladder, urethra, kidneys, or other parts of the urinary system.
- Vulvitis and vaginitis – Inflammation or irritation of the vulva or vagina that may cause itching, burning, or discharge.
- Pelvic pain – Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
- Endometriosis – A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and sometimes fertility problems.
Preventive and Diagnostic Services
- Annual exams and wellness care
- Common tests and screenings
- HPV vaccinations
Gynecologic Cancer Surgery Services
We provide surgical care for women with gynecologic cancers and other gynecologic conditions, including:
- Traditional (open) and robotic-assisted (da Vinci) hysterectomies, including cancer staging procedures
- Traditional (open) and robotic-assisted radical hysterectomies, including cancer staging procedures
- Surgery to remove as much ovarian cancer as possible
- Extensive pelvic surgery with bladder reconstruction and creation of a new vagina when needed
- Pelvic floor reconstruction surgery
- Laser treatments
- Partial or complete removal of the vulva, with or without reconstructive surgery
- Repair of vaginal and rectovaginal fistulas (abnormal openings between organs)
- Surgery for non-cancerous gynecologic conditions
Open Abdominal Surgery (Laparotomy)
Open abdominal surgery is a traditional surgical approach that uses a larger incision in the abdomen. It is often recommended for women with:
- Advanced-stage cancer
- Very large tumors
- Cancer that has spread to several organs
- Significant obesity
- Previous abdominal surgeries that have caused scar tissue
In cancer surgery, a radical surgery removes the tumor along with nearby tissues and lymph nodes that may contain cancer. An ultra-radical surgery removes as much cancer as possible, along with a margin of healthy tissue around the tumor to help ensure all cancer cells are removed.
This type of surgery allows the surgeon to directly see and examine the organs and tumor, helping them determine how far the cancer has spread and the best treatment plan moving forward.
Minimally Invasive Surgery (Laparoscopy and Robotic Surgery)
Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions instead of one large incision. Compared to open surgery, patients often experience:
- Less pain and scarring
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery
Each patient is evaluated individually to determine whether minimally invasive surgery is the best option.
Common procedures performed using minimally invasive techniques include:
- Simple or radical hysterectomy, with or without lymph node removal
- Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Removal of ovarian cysts
- Treatment of scar tissue (adhesions)
- Removal of pelvic masses
The da Vinci Robotic System
The da Vinci robotic system is an advanced surgical tool controlled entirely by the surgeon. It does not operate on its own.
Benefits of robotic-assisted surgery may include:
- Greater precision and control
- Better visualization with high-definition 3D imaging
- Improved ability to work around delicate nerves and tissues
- Reduced hand tremors during surgery
Because of these advantages, some patients who may not be candidates for traditional laparoscopic surgery may still be able to have a minimally invasive procedure using robotic assistance.
