A new solution for women undergoing hysterectomy

by Dr. Melvin Ashford

Introduction

There are 3 different types of hysterectomy procedures currently performed in the US. Based on your specific situation and needs, your surgeon will perform one of the following:

Vaginal Hysterectomy: An incision is made in the vagina and the uterus is removed through this incision. There is no incision visible on the abdomen.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Several small incisions are made in the abdomen. A lighted instrument with a camera is inserted through one of the incisions. The uterus is cut into small pieces and removed through the incisions.
Open Hysterectomy: A larger incision is made in the abdomen and the uterus is removed through this incision.

I have used the laparoscopic procedure for thousands of surgeries with great success. At Minnesota Women's Care, the minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy has been favored for 5 important reasons:

  1. Recovery time is much faster for the patient – allowing a woman to get back to her busy life with a minimal delay.
  2. Recovery is much easier for most women because it is far less painful.
  3. There is a significant reduction in blood loss over other procedures.
  4. The complication rate for the laparoscopic procedure is much lower than it is for an open hysterectomy.
  5. There is very little, if any, obvious scarring.

Though the surgical team at Minnesota Women's Care performs all types of hysterectomies, the majority performed are total laparoscopic hysterectomies. Now there is good news for women about the potential for supracervical hysterectomies (where the cervix is spared). For the right patient, this new procedure has great benefits – especially its 6-day recovery. 

Background: The FDA Warning

In 2014, due to a warning from the FDA, many physicians and hospitals stopped using what is called an "electronic power morcellator" – the device that had been used to cut the uterus into small enough pieces to remove through the small incisions used in a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Though morcellation sounds graphic, it provides a way for women to be able to have MIS (minimally invasive surgery) when it would not have been possible before.

The FDA made this determination because they were concerned about cancerous tissue being spread throughout the abdomen. As a result, the laparoscopic procedure was not available to some women and the number of open hysterectomies increased dramatically in the US. For many women, this meant a return to the procedure of our grandmother's time – complete with a longer recovery, more pain, and more scarring.

Women who wanted to maintain their cervix AND have a minimally invasive surgery with a 6-day recovery had lost their option to have a laparoscopic procedure. Because of the advantage laparoscopic surgeries provides to patients, Dr. Ashford looked for a solution. We're pleased to tell you there's great news regarding the return of Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy.

pliner.jpgContained Tissue Extraction Provides The Solution

In 2015, the FDA approved the use of a new device called the PneumoLiner. It is an abdominal bag used to contain the tissue during morcellation. Because it directly addresses the areas of concern noted by the FDA, it allows physicians to use the laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure again in situations where it is appropriate.

Here's how it works: during surgery, the PneumoLiner bag is inserted into the surgical area through the small incision and the bag is inflated. The uterus is placed inside the bag before morcellation begins. The bag then provides a barrier between the uterus and other targeted tissue and the abdominal cavity during morcellation eliminating the concern the FDA expressed in 2014 about tissue contamination. Once morcellation is complete, the bag is securely closed and removed for disposal through the same small incision.

It's likely you have not heard about the PneumoLiner because it's very new. Physicians must undergo specific training to be able to use the procedure. It is a product that is significant to doctors who believe in minimally invasive surgeries. In other words, for Dr. Ashford and the surgical team, the PneumoLiner is an essential tool.


Dr. Melvin Ashford: Leading The Way

Dr. Ashford was trained to use the PneumoLiner by the inventor before training sessions became available in the US. He performed one of the first surgeries in the country using the product and was impressed with the results. His patient experienced less pain, less blood loss and was back to work in a week. It is exactly the kind of outcome Dr. Ashford seeks for his patients.

Since that time, Dr. Ashford has continued to use the PneumoLiner and to provide educational resources for other physicians and patients who are interested in the product.


 

 


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About the author: Dr. Melvin Ashford

Dr. Ashford is trained and board-certified in Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS). (Formerly Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery – FPMRS.) This means, in addition to his training and certification as an OBGYN, he has completed additional training in the treatment of disorders in women such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and other complex pelvic floor conditions.

Dr. Ashford constantly monitors advancements in the field and has traveled the world to learn and perfect his skill sets to better address the needs of his patients. He says:

“Our goal at Minnesota Women’s Care is to use our knowledge and skill base to address and improve the quality of the lives of the women we serve by focusing not only on the things that “doctors” think are important but more importantly on the things that women think are important. Any provider relying simply on previous training is missing out on the exciting advancements in medicine – changes that really make a difference in the lives of women. No matter where it is, if there is an answer for my patients somewhere in this world, I will find it.”

If you are interested in booking an appointment with Dr. Ashford for a consulation on minimally invasive surgery or any other medical concern, call Minnesota Women's Care at 651-600-3035 or click Book Now.