The decision to have a hysterectomy is not one to be taken lightly, and many modern women are exploring their options to retain their uterus, especially those who suffer from heavy bleeding due to uterine fibroids. On April 17, the FDA issued a statement that power morcellation, the use of a device to cut fibroids into small pieces to facilitate their removal, should no longer be used. This is due to the incrased risk for the rare condition of uterine sarcoma, a cancer.
Minimally invasive gynecologists have long utilized power morcellation to removal fibroids through small incisions at the time of myomectomy. In the past, women would have to undergo open abdominal surgery, leaving them with an incision as large as one for a cesarean section.
This landmark decision by the FDA has left many minimally invasive gynecologists with few options. Fortunately, we at the Gynecology Institute offers the Accessa procedure, a way to tackle fibroids through minimally invasive means. The Accessa procedure uses the most advanced radiofrequency ablation and laparoscopy to target the fibroids paired with direct ultrasound guidance ensure no normal uterine tissue is damaged. The patient often can return to work in one week after this outpatient procedure. See the attached photo of a fibroid under radiofrequency.
The result is an approximately 40% reduction in the size of the fibroid, which will never return, as well as an even larger reduction in bleeding, resulting in high patient satisfaction. Dr. Nicole Williams is only the second minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon to perform this procedure in the state of Illinois. Please visit www.haltmedical.com for more information and clinical studies.