Dr. Alexandra Melnyk, MD, MEd is an obstetrician and gynecologist in Akron, OH specializing in obstetrics & gynecology. Dr. Alexandra Melnyk, MD, MEd is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic, Akron General Health and Wellness Center, Bath and Cleveland Clinic Urogynecology.
1 Akron General Avenue
Akron, OH 44307
4125 Medina Road
Akron, OH 44333
809 White Pond Drive Suite B
Akron, OH 44320
Gynecologic Surgery
Gynecologic surgery is surgery performed on a woman's pelvic region. It is usually performed by an OB/GYN and can involve the bladder, rectum, or reproductive organs. Surgery in this area may be performed for many reasons, but the most common procedures include:
More and more, gynecologic surgery is moving towards the use of minimally invasive surgery. Minimally invasive surgery uses several small incisions and tiny tools and scopes to perform the operation, rather than one large opening. While it is not appropriate in every case, minimally invasive surgery can lead to less scarring, less blood loss, faster recovery, and a lower chance for infection. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery may be performed with a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera on the end that allows the surgeon to see inside the body. It may also be performed robotically, using even smaller tools and cameras that a surgeon controls from a computer. Robotic surgery allows even better vision, precision, and control than laparoscopic surgery.
Over the course of a lifetime, many women need pelvic surgery to stay healthy. Qualified gynecologic surgeons will have the right tools at their disposal to provide care with a minimum of discomfort.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is the bulging of pelvic organs into the vaginal canal due to a weak pelvic floor, causing symptoms like discomfort, pain, urinary problems, and constipation. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs, which are made up of the bladder, rectum, small bowel, uterus, and vagina. Vaginal childbirth, menopause, pelvic surgery, radiation treatments, or being extremely overweight may cause the pelvic floor to weaken. Pelvic organ prolapse is a very common disorder among women, particularly for those who are over 50.
The choice of treatment for pelvic organ prolapse depends on the severity of the condition. Mild to moderate prolapse may be managed by doing pelvic floor strengthening exercises, taking hormone replacement therapy, or using pessaries. Pessaries are small devices inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs. Pessary fitting is a quick procedure done in a doctor's office. For severe prolapse, surgical treatment may be necessary. Pelvic organ prolapse surgery repairs the following:
Each of these procedures is performed through a vaginal incision, but an enterocele repair may use the abdominal approach as an alternative. If two or more pelvic organs have prolapsed, a combination of any of these procedures may be performed during the same surgical session.
For women who no longer wish to have intercourse, an operation called colpocleisis
may be a surgical option as well. By closing the vaginal canal, colpocleisis treats pelvic organ prolapse and eliminates any risk of its recurrence.
In most instances, pelvic organ prolapse surgery only requires a hospital stay of one day. Patients may experience vaginal bleeding for the first few weeks following surgery. If this happens, patients should use sanitary pads rather than tampons, as a higher risk of infection is associated with the use of tampons. To further help with recovery, patients should begin doing gentle pelvic floor strengthening exercises a few days after surgery. Doing these exercises at least three times a day as a routine tightens the pelvic floor muscles and prevents the recurrence of prolapse.
Pessary
A pessary is a device that is inserted into the vagina to relieve symptoms associated with mild to moderate pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which the womb, bladder, or rectum bulges into the vaginal canal. This device is made of either rubber or plastic and is a safe, nonsurgical way to provide support for prolapsed organs.
Pessaries come in different shapes and sizes, and finding the right one can take some trial and error. Before a pessary fitting, patients will be examined and evaluated based on prolapse-related symptoms they may be experiencing, which may include discomfort, urine leakage when sneezing or coughing, and trouble keeping tampons in.
The following tips can help guide the process of finding the right fit:
The device should be kept clean to avoid issues like vaginal odor, discharge, or irritation. To clean a pessary, it must be taken out and washed with soap and water. Healthcare providers will instruct patients on how to remove and reinsert the device. If patients are unable to do this on their own, they will need to get it done at the doctor's office at least once every two months.
She completed residency at Magee Women's Hospital. She is certified by the Obstetrics and Gynecology and has a state license in Pennsylvania.
Residency: Magee Women's Hospital (2020)
Board Certification: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Licensed In: Pennsylvania
Dr. Alexandra Melnyk, MD, MEd is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Alexandra Melnyk, MD, MEd has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 28 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Alexandra Melnyk, MD, MEd from all over the web to help you find the right in Akron, OH.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Alexandra Melnyk, MD, MEd. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
Boston Scientific Corporation |
$101
Advantage System $77 |
$24 |
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Coloplast Corp |
$80
Saffron $80 |
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Transenterix, Inc. |
$23
Senhance Surgical Robotics System $23 |
Food and Beverage | $205 |
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Dr. Alexandra Melnyk is a specialist in obstetrics & gynecology. She works in Akron, OH and Medina, OH. Clinical interests for Dr. Melnyk include rectocele (posterior prolapse), vaginal atrophy, and cystocele (bladder prolapse). Her patients gave her an average rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). For her residency, Dr. Melnyk trained at Magee Women's Hospital. Dr. Melnyk is professionally affiliated with Cleveland Clinic.