SERVICES

In Office And Hospital Services

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. It is used to help diagnose the causes of pain, swelling and infection in the body's internal organs and to examine a baby in pregnant women and the brain and hips in infants. It's also used to help guide biopsies, diagnose heart conditions, and assess damage after a heart attack. Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive, and does not use ionizing radiation.

This procedure requires little to no special preparation. Your doctor will instruct you on how to prepare, including whether you should refrain from eating or drinking beforehand. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown. Ultrasound is safe and painless, and produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves the use of a small transducer (probe) and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel into the body. The transducer collects the sounds that bounce back and a computer then uses those sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound examinations do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays), thus there is no radiation exposure to the patient. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

More advanced ultrasound techniques may be used when a more detailed image is required. These may give the doctor the information necessary to make a diagnosis.

Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound may be done to produce a clearer image. This ultrasound is more likely to be used during the early stages of pregnancy, when capturing a clear image may be more difficult. For this test, a small ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina. The probe rests against the back of your vagina while the images are captured.

3-D Ultrasound
Unlike a traditional 2-D ultrasound, a 3-D ultrasound allows your doctor to see the width, height, and depth of the fetus and your organs. This ultrasound can be especially helpful in diagnosing any suspected problems during your pregnancy.
A 3-D ultrasound follows the same procedure as a standard ultrasound, but it uses a special probe and software to create the 3-D image. It also requires special training for the technician, so it may not be as widely available.

4-D Ultrasound
A 4-D ultrasound may also be called a dynamic 3-D ultrasound. Unlike other ultrasounds, a 4-D ultrasound creates a moving video of the fetus. It creates a better image of the baby’s face and movements. It also captures highlights and shadows better. This ultrasound is performed similarly to other ultrasounds, but with special equipment.

OB-GYN Services

The term “OB-GYN” refers to the practice of both obstetrics and gynecology or to the doctor who practices both fields of medicine. Some doctors choose to practice only one of these fields. For example, gynecologists only practice gynecology, which focuses on women’s reproductive health.

At Dr. Sherri S. Levin & Associates, we provide comprehensive Obstetrics and Gynecology services. You'll find that within our office we can take care of many of your needs including minimally invasive office surgeries, ultrasound, and a myriad of testing available.  Come in and see what we have to offer.

We do not share 'After Hour Calls' with other groups so when you need us after hours you can be certain you will hear from one of the 4 of us and not a physician outside of our group.
Below is a list of some of the OB-GYN services we offer:

Annual exams for all ages
Evaluation of abnormal bleeding and fibroids
Menopausal hormone evaluation and treatment
Urinary incontinence workup and treatment
Pre-pregnancy planning and prenatal care
Infertility workup and treatment
PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome
Acne & abnormal hair growth
Evaluation of birth control methods
Robotic Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Laparoscopic Bladder Repair & Sling
Laparoscopic removal of the ovaries
Laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis
Treatment of pelvic prolapse
Vaginal reconstruction
Treatment of Dysplasia
Bladder Lift for stress urinary incontinence without mesh
Mesh-less Bladder Lift
Mesh-less Bladder Suspension
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Pelvic Prolapse
Uterine Prolapse
Cervical Prolapse
Cystocele
Rectocele
Vaginal Suspension

Lab Work

Most patients will get a pap smear annually however, there might be reasons to order additional lab work.  If you are experiencing some of the following symptoms:
  • Fatigue or abnormal weight gain.
  • Hair loss or abnormal hair growth
  • Acne 
Why do some blood tests require fasting?
Everything you eat and drink contains vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients that can cause the related levels in your blood to temporarily spike or drop.

Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a permanent procedure. This procedure is helpful for many women, but isn’t recommended for everyone. Talk to your doctor about whether this is the best option for you.
Your doctor may recommend this procedure if your menstrual periods are extremely heavy and can’t be controlled with medication. Doctors consider menstrual flow to be too heavy if your tampon or sanitary pad is routinely soaked through within two hours.

They may also recommend this procedure if you experience:
  • heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts for eight days or longer
  • bleeding between periods
  • anemia as a result of your period
Endometrial Ablation: What to Expect
  • Preparation
  • Fertility
  • Procedure
  • Post-procedure care
  • Risks and complications
  • Outlook

Who gets endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation is a procedure designed to destroy the uterine lining (endometrium).

Your doctor may recommend this procedure if your menstrual periods are extremely heavy and can’t be controlled with medication. Doctors consider menstrual flow to be too heavy if your tampon or sanitary pad is routinely soaked through within two hours.

They may also recommend this procedure if you experience:
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts for eight days or longer
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Anemia as a result of your period
How to prepare
Prior to scheduling, you’ll discuss your medication history and any allergies you have with your doctor.

If you and your doctor decide to move forward with the procedure, they’ll discuss all aspects of the procedure with you ahead of time. This includes what you should and shouldn’t do in the days and weeks leading up to it.

Standard pre-procedure protocols include:
  • Taking a pregnancy test
  • Having your IUD removed
  • Being tested for endometrial cancer
You may need to have your uterine lining thinned beforehand in order to make the procedure more effective. This may be done with medication or with a dilation and curettage (D and C) procedure.

All endometrial ablation procedures require anesthesia. If general anesthesia is needed, you’ll be instructed to stop eating and drinking eight hours before the procedure.

Additional pre-surgery tests may also be done.

What to expect after the procedure
The type of procedure you have will determine, in part, your post-procedure care and length of recuperation. If you need general anesthesia, your doctor will have you remain in the hospital for several hours after surgery.

No matter what type of procedure you have, you’ll need someone to take you home afterward. You should also bring a sanitary pad with you to wear after the procedure is completed. Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter medication to take for cramps or nausea, and which ones to avoid.

After the procedure, you may experience:
  • Increased urination for about a day
  • Menstrual-type cramping for several days
  • Watery, bloody vaginal discharge for several weeks
  • Nausea
You should seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
  • Foul-smelling discharge
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Trouble urinating
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Extreme abdominal cramping

Bone Density Testing

Bone Density, also known as Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
If you have osteopenia, you have lower bone density than normal. Your bone density peaks when you’re about 35 years old.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is the measurement of how much bone mineral is in your bones. Your BMD estimates the chances of breaking a bone from a normal activity. People who have osteopenia have a lower BMD than normal, but it’s not a disease.

However, having osteopenia does increase your chances of developing osteoporosis. This bone disease causes fractures, stooped posture, and can lead to severe pain.

You can take action to prevent osteopenia. The right exercise and food choices may help keep your bones strong. If you have osteopenia, ask your doctor about how to keep it from worsening so you can prevent osteoporosis

Aging is the most common risk factor for osteopenia. After your bone mass peaks, your body breaks down old bone faster than it builds new bone. That means you lose some bone density. Women lose bone more quickly after menopause. If you lose too much, your bone mass may drop low enough to be considered osteopenia.

About half of Americans older than age 50 get osteopenia. The more of these risk factors you have, the higher your risk is:
  • Being female, with small-boned women of Asian and Caucasian descent having the highest risk
  • Family history of low BMD
  • Being older than age 50
  • Menopause before age 45
  • Removal of ovaries before menopause
  • Not getting enough exercise
  • A poor diet, especially one lacking calcium and vitamin D
  • Smoking or using other forms of tobacco
  • Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
  • Taking prednisone or phenytoin
The goal of treatment is to keep osteopenia from progressing into osteoporosis.

The first part of treatment involves diet and exercise choices. The risk of breaking a bone when you have osteopenia is fairly small, so doctors don’t usually prescribe medicine unless your BMD is very close to the osteoporosis level. They may talk to you about taking a calcium or vitamin D supplement, although generally it’s better to get enough of each from your diet.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopy, also known as diagnostic laparoscopy, is a surgical diagnostic procedure used to examine the organs inside the abdomen. It’s a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure that requires only small incisions.

Laparoscopy uses an instrument called a laparoscope to look at the abdominal organs. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera at the front. The instrument is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall. As it moves along, the camera sends images to a video monitor.

Laparoscopy allows your doctor to see inside your body in real time, without open surgery. Your doctor also can obtain biopsy samples during this procedure.

Laparoscopy is often used to identify and diagnose the source of pelvic or abdominal pain. It’s usually performed when noninvasive methods are unable to help with diagnosis.

In many cases, abdominal problems can also be diagnosed with imaging techniques such as:
  • Ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body
  • CT scan, which is a series of special X-rays that take cross-sectional images of the body
  • MRI scan, which uses magnets and radio waves to produce images of the body
Laparoscopy is performed when these tests don’t provide enough information or insight for a diagnosis. The procedure may also be used to take a biopsy, or sample of tissue, from a particular organ in the abdomen.

Laparoscopy is usually done as an outpatient procedure where you are always be given given general anesthesia. This means that you’ll be able to go home the same day as your surgery. It may be performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.

You’ll likely be given general anesthesia for this type of surgery. This means that you’ll sleep through the procedure and won’t feel any pain. To achieve general anesthesia, an intravenous (IV) line is inserted in one of your veins. Through the IV, your anesthesiologist can give you special medications and well as provide hydration with fluids.

During laparoscopy, the surgeon makes an incision at your belly button, and then inserts a small tube called a cannula. The cannula is used to inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. This gas allows your doctor to see your abdominal organs more clearly.

Once your abdomen is inflated, the surgeon inserts the laparoscope through the incision. The camera attached to the laparoscope displays the images on a screen, allowing your organs to be viewed in real time.

The number and size of incisions depends upon what specific medical conditions your surgeon is attempting to confirm or rule out. Generally, you get from 1 to 5 incisions that are each between 1 and 2 centimeters in length. These incisions allow other instruments to be inserted. For example, your surgeon may need to use another surgical tool to perform a biopsy. During a biopsy, they take a small sample of tissue from an organ to be evaluated.

After the procedure is done, the instruments are removed. Your incisions are then closed with stitches or surgical tape. Bandages may be placed over the incisions.

Another Day In Paradise
Special Rejuvenating Treatments To Beautify You.

da Vinci Robotics

Got a Question?  We’re here to help.
The da Vinci surgical system is a breakthrough surgical technology that allows for a minimally invasive approach to common gynecologic surgical conditions. Dr. Sherri Levin has been performing da Vinci assisted surgeries since 2007 and has completed over 1,600 cases as of 2019. She previously taught doctors from around the country the appropriate utilization of the da Vinci system in routine and advanced cases. As a result of her experience and expertise, she was asked to appear on The Doctors as an expert on this surgical approach in 2008. Most recently, she was designated a da Vinci Gynecologic Epicenter.  Dr. Anne Gonzalez and Dr. Amelie Chu are also certified daVinci robotic surgeons.

We believe that almost anyone is a candidate for a da Vinci surgery and continue to be amazed by the phenomenal results that this new surgical system provides.  Listed below are some common questions and answers on the da Vinci system...
Dr. Sherri Levin has been performing da Vinci assisted surgeries since 2007 and has completed over 1,600 da Vinci cases as of 2019.
  • What is Minimally Invasive Surgery? (TAP TO OPEN)

    Minimally invasive surgeries are a group of procedures performed through small incisions rather than large ones. The results of minimally invasive surgery include potentially quicker recovery times, fewer complications, reduced hospitalization costs and less scarring.

    We are no longer limited to traditional surgery through a large abdominal incision that can be 6–12 inches long, and often result in more complications and longer recovery time. Using the da Vinci® robot, the procedure can be completed with four to six dime-sized incisions and with minimal scarring.

  • Pre-Operative / Post-Operative Q&A's

    How do I find out my benefits for surgery?


    Our office will call your insurance to get an estimation of benefits for our services based on coverage. After obtaining this information, a nurse will contact you and will collect the amount owed per your insurance company. The surgery deposit can be paid with a credit card, personal check or cash. This payment is required before the date of your surgery.


    Any benefits regarding anesthesia and hospital bills will be given to you by a staff member at the hospital. We do not have access to this information and, therefore, cannot provide you with a full estimation of coverage for all services rendered on the day of your surgery.


    How do I schedule my pre-op labs?


    Blood work must be done prior to your surgery. In order to schedule these labs, you can call 713-242-3880 and speak to a nurse to get an appointment. These labs are typically required within 1-2 weeks of surgery.


    What medications must I stop before surgery?


    Dr. Levin asks all patients who are on hormone replacement (estrogen, progesterone, etc) to stop these medications 1 week before surgery. Also, any aspirin-based products (i.e. Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve) must be discontinued 1 week before surgery to decrease potential post-operative bleeding.


    Any other medications you may be on including blood pressure, thyroid or diabetes medications should be reviewed with the pre-op nurses in order to obtain dosing instructions based on anesthesia protocol.


    When must I begin fasting for surgery?


    In order to have general anesthesia you must have an empty stomach. In general, we ask patients to be fasting after midnight.


    What time do I arrive at the hospital?


    In general, we ask that you arrive 2 hours before your scheduled surgery start time. This will allow for you to get checked in by a nurse who will confirm medical information and prepare you for surgery. Please use the time our office gives you as the hospital nurse may not be aware of schedule changes.


    How long will my hospital stay be after my surgery?


    • Robotic Hysterectomy - 1 overnight stay and discharge in the morning.
    • Abdominal Hysterectomy - 2-3 days depending on recovery.
    • Laparoscopy - outpatient procedure
    • Cold Knife Cone/LEEP/Laser - outpatient procedure.
    • Bladder Repair - outpatient procedure.
  • Gynecology Procedure Related Q&A's

    What should I expect after a cold knife cone (CKC) or Loop Electrode Excision Procedure (LEEP)?

    • Vaginal bleeding is expected after this procedure and can last for up to 4 weeks. Commonly the bleeding can also increase at approximately 2 weeks. Pads are to be used, not tampons, for the bleeding.
    • No sex until after your 1 month post-operative check up in the office.

    What should I expect after bladder surgery?

    • Bladder spasms commonly occur after bladder surgery. These symptoms usually resolve within 4-6 weeks.
    • Driving is permitted once you feel able to do so. It is not advised if you are still requiring narcotic pain medications due to potential impairment.
    • No heavy lifting or sex for 4-6 weeks after surgery. This is to protect the integrity of the bladder repair.

  • What is Robotic Assisted Surgery?

    Operated by board-certified surgeons, the da Vinci Surgical System is designed to provide surgeons with enhanced capabilities, including high-definition 3D vision and a magnified view. Though it is often called a robot, the da Vinci cannot act on its own. Instead, the surgery is performed with unmatched precision entirely by the surgeon. The surgeon controls the robot as it translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of the tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. Together, the surgeon and the robot perform complex procedures through just a few tiny openings.

    A number of procedures that could not be performed using traditional technologies can now be performed using the da Vinci Surgical System. The advanced feature set and extensive EndoWrist instrumentation of the da Vinci Robotic System enable surgeons to perform more procedures through 1–2 centimeter incisions.

  • What Are The Benefits of Robotic Assisted Surgery Compared to Traditional Methods?

    Benefits experienced by patients may include:

    • Significantly less pain.
    • Less blood loss and fewer blood transfusions.
    • Minimally invasive surgical option for women with large, numerous or difficult to access fibroids.
    • Fewer complications and lower risk of infection
    • No overnight stay now.
    • Faster recovery and return to normal activities.
    • Small, dime-sized incisions for minimal scarring.
    • Simplifies many existing procedures.
    • Quicker recovery time and return to regular activity.

  • What Are Some Common Procedures Performed with Robotic Assisted Surgery?
    • Uterine Fibroids - to remove fibroids (myomectomy) or the entire uterus (hysterectomy)
    • Endometriosis - to remove endometriosis tissue to relieve pain
    • Pelvic Prolapse (including uterine, bladder and rectal) - to restore support
    • Heavy menstrual bleeding - to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) if indicated
    • Ovarian Cysts
    • Uterine, Ovarian, and Cervical Cancer – to stage and treat cancer
  • Is Robotic Surgery Covered by Insurance?

    Robotic surgery is categorized as robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, so any insurance that covers minimally invasive surgeries generally covers this surgery. This is also true for widely held insurance plans such Medicare. It is important to note that your coverage will depend on your plan and benefits package.

  • Robotic Assisted Hysterectomy Q&A's

    When will I be seen in the office following my hysterectomy?


    Patients are seen at 1 week and 3 weeks after your surgery for a routine post-op exam. At these visits you will be instructed on what activities are allowed and what to avoid.  Some general guidelines are listed below.


    When can I drive after my hysterectomy?


    As long as your surgery was performed with the assistance of the da Vinci robot, you will be allowed to drive once cleared by your doctor at your 1-week post-operative appointment. You will need someone to drive you to your first post-op follow up appointment.


    When can I have intercourse after my hysterectomy?


    On average, patients are to avoid intercourse for a minimum of 6 weeks following surgery or until no discharge has been present for approximately one week. During the hysterectomy, the uterus, tubes, ovaries and cervix are removed through the vagina. As a result, the top of the vagina is sutured closed and takes approximately 6 weeks to heal.


    When can I exercise after my robotic hysterectomy?


    Light aerobic exercise is allowed 1 week after surgery. After your final post-operative visit at 3 weeks you will be released to activity as tolerated, though gradual introduction is recommended.


    When can I return to work after my hysterectomy?


    Most patients are allowed to return to work at 10-20 days depending on the type of job.  A work release can be provided by our office at your post-op visit.


    What should I expect after my robotic hysterectomy?


    Common post-operative symptoms/complaints include:


    • Bloating occurs because gas is put into the abdomen during surgery to allow for optimal visualization.


    • Constipation can result from intestinal irritation from the gas used in surgery as well as the post-operative pain medications taken.


    • Vaginal bleeding and discharge is expected immediately after surgery and after surgery while the stitches are dissolving. This bleeding/discharge may last 6 weeks after your surgery. Notify the office if the bleeding is heavy or if it increases suddenly.


    • Incisional pain is very common after surgery. The incision located by the left ribcage has been reported to be the sorest by most patients. Pain medications will be provided to alleviate the pain.


    • Bladder spasms can occur after surgery because a catheter is placed in the bladder during surgery. These symptoms are more common if a bladder procedure was done in addition to the hysterectomy.


    • Hot flashes/night sweats can occur if your ovaries are removed at the time of your hysterectomy. These symptoms are to be monitored during the immediate post-operative period. For the majority of patients, the symptoms improve once a few weeks out from surgery. In the event the symptoms do not subside or improve, hormone replacement options will be discussed at your final post-operative appointment.


Robotic Patient Testimonials

Dr. Sherri Levin has been performing da Vinci assisted surgeries
since 2007 and has completed over 1,600 cases as of 2019.
“The surgery was a great relief to me. I am not in pain anymore. I used to dread my monthly cycle because of the heavy bleeding. My recovery time was quick, and I am feeling better than ever.”

Tracy W

Robotic Assisted
Surgery Patient

“Recovery time was only about 3 days, and then able to do more every day. Important to have help for about 1.5 to 2 weeks. I was briefed and received information so I knew more or less, what to expect. Hospital and staff were great and I was out showing homes 4 days after my surgery...with my husband driving.”

Christine R

Robotic Assisted
Surgery Patient

“I suffered with Heavy periods for 25+ years and High Pain Cramps. My recovery period was minimal, and my pain, compared to my prior pain. I feel like a new, vibrant, high-energy woman. Should have done this several years ago.”

Tony S

Robotic Assisted
Surgery Patient

“Surgery was explained in detail.
I had total confidence in Dr. Levin.
I am so glad I had the surgery,
I feel like a new person.”

Nancy H

Robotic Assisted
Surgery Patient

“Very pleased with everything and am feeling like a new woman.

Feel 100% better. Thanks Dr. L."

Jeri F

Robotic Assisted
Surgery Patient

“I had the surgery late Wed. afternoon and by the evening I was awake and feeling pretty good. By the next morning I was up and going to the bathroom and eating. I left Thursday AM and continued to improve. Moderate pain for 3 more days, treated with medication. By Sunday I was a new person. I was no longer on pain meds and my pain was low to none. By that Friday I was back to normal. I haven’t felt this good in a year!”

Deana S

Robotic Assisted
Surgery Patient

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