Services

We offer a variety of services to serve our patients. Please see the information below on some of the techniques and devices we use in our surgeries, and corresponding information at additional websites provided below.

Obstetrics - Provided by Dr. Gillis, Dr. Casper, and Dr. Chisdak

Gynecology - Big Sky Women's Specialists provides routine and preventative gynecologic care. Additionally, Dr. Gillis and Dr. Nickisch offer traditional as well as innovative micro-invasive surgical procedures to suit your needs.

Incontinence/Prolapse - Big Sky Women's Specialists offers comprehensive, efficient, urogynecology services for a variety of pelvic floor disorders including urinary incontinence and pelvic relaxation/prolapse. We have in-office cystometrics and cystoscopy, making sure you receive complete evaluation and treatment specific to your concerns.

Pelvic Pain - Big Sky Women's Specialists provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment options for pelvic pain including endometriosis and interstitial cystitis.

Infertility - Provided by Dr. Casper, Big Sky Women's Specialists offers comprehensive medical and surgical treatment for couples with infertility problems. The services include evaluation of you, the patient and your partner, surgical treatment if necessary including laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, and administering and monitoring of fertility medications. We are a satellite center for the University of Washington reproductive endocrinologists and work with them to help you achieve pregnancy.

Permanent Birth Control

• Essure - The Essure procedure is a sterilization procedure for women that is performed by an Essure trained doctor. Unlike tubal ligation and vasectomy, there are no incisions. Instead, micro-inserts are passed through the body's natural pathways (vagina, cervix, and uterus) and placed into your fallopian tubes.
   
  During the first 3 months following the procedure, your body and the micro-inserts work together to form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. During this period, you will need to use another form of birth control.  
  
  After 3 months, your doctor will perform a special type of x-ray test called an HSG to confirm that your tubes are completely blocked and you can rely on the Essure micro-inserts for birth control.
  
  Click here for more information about Essure.

Gynecological and Incontinence Related Devices and Procedures that we Employ to Serve our Patients:

• Hydro ThermAblator® System (HTA® System) - The HydroThermAblator System is a hysteroscopic thermal ablation device intended to ablate the endometrial lining of the uterus in pre-menopausal women with menorrhagia (excessive uterine bleeding) due to benign causes for whom childbearing is complete. More information from Boston Scientific. For additional information on gynecological devices and procedures, please refer to this website.
• Novasure Endometrial Ablation - A quick, safe and simple, one-time procedure with No Hormones and No Hysterectomy to correct excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia.) For more information view the Novasure website.

3D/4D Pre-Natal Ultrasounds - See your pending new arrival in a new and exciting way through 3D Ultrasound Technology!

Expectant parents no longer have to wait until the birth to 'see' their baby's face.  Big Sky Women's Specialists now offers a non-diagnostic 3D ultrasound called "Baby's First Photo." We're the only site in the area offering 3D ultrasounds, there is no need to travel to Billings for this exciting service that has become more common among today's expectant parents.

Best results are obtained between 28 and 30 weeks gestation.  Some babies pose for their close-up; others hide behind their hands and feet.  During the ultrasound, technicians do all they can to encourage the baby to ‘face the camera' although there is no guarantee on image quality.  It's always fun to see the baby in motion.  Family and friends are welcome to join the session. We can take as many people into our imaging room as will comfortably fit.

"Baby's First Photo" is a cosmetic ultrasound— insurance doesn't cover the charge.  The one-hour appointment costs $232.  Expectant mothers must have had a 20-week ultrasound for anatomic survey prior to the 3D ultrasound. Parents-to-be can enjoy their baby's funny positions and take home keepsake pictures. They also receive a CD and pictures to share with family and friends who were unable to be present for the 'picture-taking.'

Do I need a full bladder for the 3D photos?

No. Eat and drink as usual. We do recommend keeping your body hydrated several days before your visit. Water, not soda, gets the best results.

What will determine the quality of the images?

Fetal position: Some babies come ready for their close-up and seem to be posing at every turn. Others cuddle up to the placenta or uterine wall, or hide behind their hands (and feet). We know you particularly want to see your baby's face and we do all we can to encourage baby to turn our way. We urge you to enjoy the fun and sometimes funny positions your baby prefers. -Maternal tissue: The more tissue the sound waves need to travel through, the less contrast the resulting images have. For this reason we oftenf ind we get better results with our fuller-figured clients around 28-36 weeks.

Fetal activity: It is always fun to see the baby in motion, but some of the best still photo results come when baby is asleep or still. (No caffeine please!)

For more information about 3D ultrasounds or to schedule an appointment call Big Sky Women's Specialists at 556-5150.

Click here to view an actual 4D Ultrasound Movie