Ending Menstrual Misery
Laparoscopy: Not Your Mother's Hysterectomy

Dr. Barbara Held
OB/GYN
The Methodist Hospital

From bloating and cramps to mood swings and food cravings, not many women particularly enjoy "that time of the month." But for some, a monthly menstrual cycle isn't just a nuisance, it's unbearable. Back in the day, menstrual misery came with the territory of being a woman.

"Today, women have so many options to take control of their health and their lives," says Barbara Held, M.D., OB/GYN at The Methodist Hospital. "If your monthly cycle is disrupting your life, it's worth talking to your doctor."

What's Causing the Problem?
The Methodist Hospital has many minimally invasive treatments for a heavy and/or painful period and other pelvic discomfort. First, your doctor will determine its cause.

"Abnormal bleeding is often caused by fibroids, or noncancerous growths in the uterus," Dr. Held explains. "By the time most women reach their early 40s, they will have at least one fibroid. In some cases, fibroids may cause bleeding that is severe enough to cause anemia or even require blood transfusions."

Women who experience pelvic pressure or discomfort may have a prolapsed uterus. "After you've had children, muscles of the pelvic floor weaken and allow the uterus to fall, often causing discomfort, a feeling of pressure in your pelvis and/or painful sexual intercourse," Dr. Held says.

Treatments that Fit Your Lifestyle
After your doctor has made a diagnosis, he or she will explain treatment options that fit your condition — and your lifestyle. "Years ago, there was one treatment available: open surgery to remove the uterus through a large, painful incision," Dr. Held says. "Today, we have minimally invasive outpatient alternatives such as endometrial ablation, which destroys the lining of the uterus. It may not cause an end to your period, but it may offer an improvement."

For some women, hysterectomy is the most appropriate treatment. And minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy offered at The Methodist Hospital has a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less scarring and reduced recovery time than traditional surgery.

"Other than Caesarean section, hysterectomy is the most common surgery performed on women in the U.S.," Dr. Held says. "Technology is simplifying the procedure and making it easier on patients with each new advance. For example, a traditional abdominal hysterectomy requires a six-inch incision on the belly. But a laparoscopic hysterectomy only requires four half inch incisions strategically placed so scars will not be visible."

Ready to Get Back to Life Sooner
Women who have laparoscopic hysterectomy typically go home the next day and can return to work in about two weeks. Women who undergo abdominal hysterectomy typically spend three days in the hospital followed by six weeks recovering at home.

"I've switched to doing most of my cases laparoscopically, and it's dramatic how much better my patients do," Dr. Held says. "At their two-week follow-up, many are feeling great and ready to go back to work. It's great to help women find the best treatments for their lifestyle and to see them do so well."

For more information on minimally invasive treatment options for difficult menstrual cycles and pelvic pain, call The Methodist Hospital's Gynecology Services at 866-387-6715.