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Dr. Laurie A. Dibble, MD is an obstetrician and gynecologist in Petaluma, CA specializing in obstetrics & gynecology. She graduated from University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. Dr. Laurie A. Dibble, MD is affiliated with Providence, Providence Medical Foundation and Providence Medical Group Sonoma.
Providence
Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A Cesarean section (more often known as "C-Section") is a surgery performed during labor and delivery. A C-Section is a procedure that delivers a baby through an incision in the lower abdomen and uterus. In the United States, about a third of all births are performed by Cesarean section. Most often, a C-section is done by an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN), or in certain regions, a general surgeon or family physician.
C-section incisions can be up-and-down (vertical), from belly button to lower abdomen or side-to-side (horizontal), across the lower abdomen. Side-to-side incisions are more frequently used. After the exterior incisions are made, the doctor then cuts into the uterus and amniotic sac and delivers the infant and cuts the baby's umbilical cord. The mother receives medicine to expel the placenta and the doctor helps to safely remove it. Finally, the doctor uses sutures to seal the uterus and tissue incisions. The initial C-section skin incision is also closed with sutures or staples.
C-sections are typically performed with regional anesthesia, which inhibits pain in the lower half of the body, but allows mothers to be awake. However, some mothers may receive general anesthesia, where they are put to sleep during the surgical procedure.
C-sections may be planned or unplanned, depending on the circumstances of the birth.
Pre-existing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, herpes, and HIV may prompt a doctor to prescribe a C-section. Other situations for C-section include:
Other mothers may require a C-section due to complications arising during delivery. These unplanned, emergency C-sections allow for a healthy birth even when complex complications are present. Problems during labor which may necessitate a C-section include:
Mothers should expect about a six-week recovery period following a C-section, including an initial hospital stay of two to three days. While in the hospital, mothers may spend time with their baby and begin breastfeeding. After returning home, mothers should limit strenuous activities such as lifting, reaching, and exercise, and should make sure to get plenty of rest.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is the targeted use of extreme cold to destroy unhealthy or unwanted tissue. The doctor applies the cold on the skin or injects it through a needle to reach the inside of the body, where it freezes away the problem tissue. Cryotherapy is often used to remove minor skin problems such as warts or skin tags, and it is also used to treat some small tumors.
To achieve the cold temperatures needed for cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen or argon gas is passed through a tube, which becomes cold enough to freeze cells on contact. Alternatively, liquid nitrogen can be swabbed directly onto the skin or via a spray, which applies only a specific, small amount to the skin at a time.
Because the area treated is typically very small, cryotherapy is not usually painful. There may be a sensation of cold and possibly some slight discomfort. Cryotherapy is very fast and can easily be performed in a doctor's office. It also doesn't require stitches, because there is no cutting involved. These benefits make cryotherapy a good choice for many issues, including:
Depending on the procedure, it usually takes three to four weeks to heal after cryotherapy. If it was done internally, patients may feel sore or have a small amount of swelling the first day afterwards. If cryotherapy was performed on the skin, patients will have a scab where their tissue was removed. Keep it clean and dry so it can heal.
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a diagnostic procedure performed to examine the inside of the uterus. A thin tube with a camera and light at the end, called a hysteroscope, is inserted through the vagina. It allows the physician to view the cervix and uterine walls. Sometimes, gas or liquid is used to expand the uterus and allow a better view. If necessary, tiny instruments can also be passed through the tube and used for certain procedures, such as taking a biopsy or removing a polyp.
Hysteroscopy is often done to figure out the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding. However, it can also be used to:
If surgery is necessary, hysteroscopy is often used along with laparoscopy, a kind of surgery performed through small incisions in the abdomen. Tiny tools are passed through the incisions, and the hysteroscope guides the doctors while surgery is performed.
Dr. Laurie A. Dibble, MD graduated from University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. She is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology and has a state license in California.
Medical School: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine
Board Certification: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Licensed In: California
Dr. Laurie A. Dibble, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Laurie A. Dibble, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna PPO, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA HMO, Western Health Advantage HMO, Blue Shield of California, MultiPlan PPO, Medicare Advantage, HealthSmart, Interplan PPO, TriWest, Anthem Blue Cross HMO, Humana, Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Health Net PPO, Health Net HMO, Anthem, Coventry PPO, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare HMO, US Family Health Plan, Aetna Medicare PPO, Partnership Health Plan of California, ChoiceHumana PPO, Insurance Plan and CoventryFirst Health PPO.
According to our sources, Dr. Laurie A. Dibble, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Laurie A. Dibble, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.63 out of 5 stars based on 92 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Laurie A. Dibble, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Petaluma, CA.
Dr. Laurie Dibble practices obstetrics & gynecology. Areas of expertise for Dr. Dibble include colposcopy, cryotherapy, and cystocele (bladder prolapse). Dr. Dibble is professionally affiliated with Providence Medical Foundation. She studied medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. She has a 4.5 out of 5 star average patient rating. Dr. Dibble accepts Anthem, Blue California, HealthSmart, and more. She has an open panel in Santa Rosa, CA according to Providence Medical Foundation.
