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Alternatives to traditional hysterectomy offer many benefits
Hysterectomy is one of the most common procedures gynecologists perform. It is the removal of the uterus (womb), most commonly for bleeding disorders.
With recent medical advances, many medical and minor surgical options are available as alternatives to hysterectomy.
These options are being utilized more and more because of successful outcomes, faster recovery, and lower costs.
Medical options include hormonal treatment, pills, patches, shots, and a hormone-releasing IUD (intrauterine device). These options are safe, proven, and effective. New medications are also now available to specifically treat fibroids, reduce bleeding, and even help raise pre-operative blood counts when one is anemic.
Proven surgical procedures include endometrial ablation, which burns the uterine lining and reduces or eliminates menstrual blood loss. Procedures like endometrial ablation that can be done in the office save time and significant costs to the patient by avoiding the hospital.
Besides endometrial ablation, two other procedures are available: UAE (uterine artery embolization) and laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radio-ablation of fibroid tumors.
UAE is an outpatient procedure performed through the wrist by a radiologist. It works by blocking blood supply to the uterus, thus shrinking the fibroids.
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to target fibroids one by one, reducing their size significantly. Premier Women’s Care was the first practice in Southwest Florida to perform the laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radio-ablation of fibroids.
As you can see, many options are available as alternatives to hysterectomy. Please consult your experienced board-certified ob-gyns at Premier Women’s Care of Southwest Florida to navigate your specific treatment options for uterine bleeding, fibroids, and hysterectomy.