Obstetrics & Gynecology

Gynecology

We provide comprehensive treatment for gynecological diseases, ranging from benign conditions such as uterine fibroids, benign ovarian tumors, and endometriosis, to malignant diseases including uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and gestational trophoblastic disease. For benign conditions, we actively perform minimally invasive surgeries, especially endoscopic procedures such as laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeries. Except for cesarean sections and transvaginal surgeries, approximately 75% of our patients undergo endoscopic surgery.

Compared to open abdominal surgery, endoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, allowing patients to recover more quickly and return to their normal activities sooner. However, if there is a suspicion of malignancy, the tumor is very large, there are severe adhesions, the patient is obese, or there is a higher risk of complications, endoscopic surgery may not be possible—even if the patient wishes to undergo the procedure. Please consult thoroughly with your attending physician for more detailed information.

For malignant diseases, we conduct accurate diagnoses by combining various tests, including biopsy or tissue sampling, blood tests, and imaging studies such as ultrasound, MRI, CT, and PET scans. Treatment plans are then tailored according to the disease status, using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy (anticancer drug therapy), and radiation therapy. Additionally, we place great emphasis on palliative care in collaboration with our hospital’s palliative care team to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for patients with malignant diseases.

Obstetrics

We are committed to providing you and your family with an exceptional birthing experience. Our top priority is the safety of both mother and baby. For this reason, we generally perform a cesarean section (C-section) when it is considered the safest option—for example, in cases of breech presentation or when the mother has had a previous C-section. In the event of an emergency C-section, which must be performed quickly due to immediate concerns for the health of the mother and/or baby, our experienced staff is fully equipped and trained to manage all types of deliveries—from routine births to urgent, high-risk situations. On the other hand, if labor does not begin after your water breaks, if labor hasn’t started on its own more than a week past your due date, or if the baby grows too large, it may become more difficult to have a vaginal delivery. In such cases, we may recommend labor induction. We will explain the reasons for this recommendation, along with the potential benefits and risks in your specific situation.
Throughout the entire process, both you and your baby will be closely monitored to ensure your safety and well-being. Our primary goal is to encourage spontaneous labor while avoiding a C-section whenever possible. We accept pregnant women who are considered high risk referred to us from neighboring clinics at different stages of their pregnancy due to some unexpected and or maternity complications (including gestational diabetes or hypertension) .

Our hospital also offers the option of painless delivery using epidural anesthesia, which can be planned in advance. Please refer to the details provided separately.

At our facility, doctors, midwives, nurses, and staff work closely together to support each pregnant woman, respecting her individual wishes and needs to ensure a positive pregnancy and childbirth experience. For couples who wish to have a birth partner present, we provide support so that both can face the delivery together. (Currently, due to COVID-19 infection control measures, birth partners are generally not permitted, but this restriction is planned to be eased starting May 2023.)

We also promote breastfeeding and offer continuous care through our breastfeeding outpatient clinic for those who need support after discharge. However, this outpatient service is primarily available to mothers who delivered or received prenatal care at our hospital.

Q&A about Childbirth

What types of delivery do you offer?

We offer spontaneous vaginal delivery, cesarean section, and epidural analgesia (painless delivery).

I am planning a “satogaeri” (returning to the parental home) childbirth. When should I visit the hospital?

“Satogaeri” childbirth is reassuring because you have your experienced mother nearby. Please consult us once around the 20th week of pregnancy. You should return to our hospital between the 32nd and 35th week for prenatal care. Please bring a referral letter when you visit.

How long is the hospital stay?

For spontaneous vaginal delivery, the stay is 6 days for first-time mothers and 5 days for mothers who have given birth before. For cesarean section, admission is the day before surgery, and discharge is on the 7th day after surgery. For epidural analgesia deliveries, which are planned deliveries, the stay is extended by 1 to 3 days.

How much does childbirth cost?

The average cost is approximately 470,000 to 480,000 yen (tax-exempt).

Are their classes for mothers?

Yes. At our attached health promotion facility “Club M,” we offer maternity yoga and postpartum care class.

About Painless Delivery

Since 2022, our hospital has introduced epidural analgesia for painless delivery. Initially, it was only available for medical indications, but now it is also offered to those who wish to have it.
In Western countries, epidural analgesia is a well-established and commonly used method. In some countries, about 80% of pregnant women receive epidural analgesia. In Japan, the use is gradually increasing, but according to the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, only 11.8% of hospitals offered epidural analgesia as of 2022, so many hospitals still do not provide it.
Epidural anesthesia is a type of local anesthesia where a thin catheter is placed in the back, and medicine is administered through it to reduce pain in the lower body. In hospitals like ours, which have full-time anesthesiologists, epidural analgesia is commonly and safely used to control pain both during and after surgery.
For those who wish to have epidural analgesia during delivery at our hospital, it is basically provided as part of planned labor induction on a scheduled day. Therefore, if labor starts before the scheduled date or during nights or holidays, epidural analgesia may not be available. Also, since there is a limit to the number of deliveries we can manage at once, epidural analgesia may not be available if multiple deliveries requiring epidural anesthesia take place simultaneously.

About Fertility Treatment

At our hospital, we offer standard infertility evaluations, including ultrasound, MRI, blood tests, hysterosalpingography (HSG), and semen analysis to help identify potential causes of infertility. In cases where endometriosis is found to be a contributing factor, we actively perform laparoscopic surgery as part of the treatment.
Our fertility treatments include timing guidance, ovulation induction, and intrauterine insemination (IUI). However, we do not offer advanced assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). For patients requiring these procedures, we will refer you to appropriate specialized facilities in the area.

Cervical Cancer Prevention

We offer vaccination with the cervical cancer prevention vaccine (Gardasil).

The Gardasil vaccine protects against infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18, which are the main causes of cervical cancer. Additionally, by covering HPV types 6 and 11, the vaccine also helps prevent genital warts (condyloma acuminata).

Resumption of Active Recommendation for Routine HPV Vaccination in April 2022

In Japan, the active recommendation for HPV vaccination had been suspended for approximately nine years since June 2013 due to concerns over adverse reactions. However, as substantial evidence has since confirmed the effectiveness and safety of the HPV vaccine, the government resumed active recommendation for routine vaccination in April 2022. This means that eligible individuals now receive vaccination vouchers and informational leaflets explaining the vaccine’s benefits and safety.
Routine vaccination is offered to girls in the equivalent of 6th grade of elementary school through 1st year of high school. In addition, a free catch-up vaccination program has been launched for women who missed the opportunity due to the lack of information during the suspension period. This program covers women born in fiscal year 2005 (those turning 25 in fiscal year 2022) and younger, and will be available for three years.

Eligible Individuals

If you wish to receive the HPV vaccine, please visit our gynecology outpatient clinic.
For junior high school students and younger, a parent or guardian must accompany the patient. Vaccination is by appointment only, so please make an appointment by phone in advance.
*Please note: Routine vaccinations are administered by each municipality. For details about when, where, and how to receive the vaccine in your area, please contact the immunization department of your local municipal office.

Clinic visits are by appointment only

Clinic visits are by appointment only including the first-time patients to reduce patient wait times as much as possible. Call us or come to our OB-GYN reception to schedule your appointment.

All referrals must go through the Patient Referral Office directly. There are certain problems that can’t wait. If you think you have a medical condition that requires urgent medical attention, we are often able to accommodate same-day appointment requests, call us first before coming to the hospital. We strive to schedule all patients in a timely manner, however, there may be fluctuations in appointment times due to emergencies, child delivery, or surgical situations. We appreciate your understanding and patience.