There are many different gynecological conditions that require medical care. Vanguard Westlake Hospital has highly-skilled surgeons trained in minimally invasive procedures that can help women suffering from fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, heavy vaginal bleeding and uterine prolapse.
Treatment Options
Endometrial Ablation
An average period should last five to seven days, however many women are suffering from heavy periods that last longer. The best treatment option will depend on what is causing your heavy periods – hormonal imbalance, fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, neoplasia or blood clotting disorders. Endometrial ablation permanently hinders the endometrium’s ability to grow by removing most, if not all of the lining of the uterus. This quick procedure, typically lasts only take 8-minutes, no incisions are required and heat is used to treat the endometrium. Performed under local anesthesia, a small soft, flexible balloon attached to a thin catheter is inserted through the vagina and cervix and then placed into the uterus. The balloon is then filled with fluid so that it inflates to the exact size of the uterus. The fluid is heated and circulated for 8 minutes. The catheter and balloon are then removed. As a result, the treated uterine lining will shed, like it does during a period. Women who undergo this type of endometrial ablation are typically back to their normal routines within a day.
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH)
Hysterectomies are performed to treat fibroids, endometriosis, gynecologic cancer, uterine prolapse, abnormal vaginal bleeding or chronic pelvic pain. The total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) is less invasive than the traditional hysterectomy and eliminates the need for a woman to undergo an invasive abdominal surgery. During a TLH, typically three small “keyhole” incisions less than ¼ inch in length are made on each side of the abdomen above the hip bone and one in the belly button. Using a laparoscope — a slender, fiber-optic tube equipped with a miniature camera, lights and surgical instruments — Westlake’s skilled surgeons have the ability to see inside the abdomen and gain access to the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes without having to make a large incision. Even a large uterus can be removed laparoscopically using this technique.
Post surgically, patients experience a much quicker recovery, usually going home the same day or the day after surgery, and require minimal post-surgical pain medications. Unlike the traditional hysterectomy that requires an eight week healing period, patients who undergo TLH are able to return to their normal routine within one to two weeks.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroids are very commonly non-cancerous (benign) growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. While fibroids do not always cause symptoms, their size and location can lead to problems for some women, including pain and heavy bleeding. Westlake physicians specializing in minimally invasive techniques can help you preserve your uterus and avoid surgery. During UFE, a slender catheter is used to inject small particles into the uterine arteries, which supply blood to your fibroids and uterus. These particles cause the blood flow to diminish and the fibroid to shrink over time. Recovery is significantly lower than a hysterectomy and by performing UFE the uterus is preserved.