10/16/2009

Robotic technology enhances effectiveness of hysterectomy

"A major advantage of using robotic technology to perform hysterectomies is that it increases the number of women who can receive minimally invasive surgeries as opposed to more traumatic open procedures," explains Christopher Tarnay, M.D., director of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at UCLA.

09/01/2009

Uterine fibroid embolization provides a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy

UCLA offers uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) for the treatment of uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous tumors estimated to affect as many as 77% of American women. UFE preserves the uterus and is suitable for patients experiencing increased uterine bleeding and anemia or bulk symptoms such as pelvic fullness, increased urination and/or painful intercourse.

06/17/2009

New Treatment Available for Uterine Fibroids

Treatment options for uterine fibroids have increased dramatically in the last 20 years, according to UCLA obstetrician/gynecologist Michael Johnson, M.D. In the past, physicians were likely to advise removing the growths, but today the choice of treatment - including doing nothing - is largely driven by patient preference, Dr. Johnson says.

04/08/2009

MR-guided ultrasound and robotic surgery expand options for women with abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding is usually due to hormonal imbalances, benign fibroids or polyps. Treatment is not always necessary, but some patients choose surgical intervention to relieve symptoms. For these women, UCLA's multidisciplinary team of gynecologists and radiologists collaborate to offer a range of treatment options unlike any other center in the western United States...

08/2008

Alternatives to Hysterectomy in the Management of Leiomyomas

Uterine leiomyomas (also called fibroids) are the most common solid pelvic tumors in women and the leading indication for hysterectomy. Although many women with uterine leiomyomas are asymptomatic and can be monitored without treatment, some will require more active measures. Hysterectomy remains the most common surgical treatment for leiomyomas because it is the only definitive treatment and eliminates the possibility of recurrence. Many women seek an alternative to hysterectomy because they desire future childbearing or wish to retain their uteri even if they have completed childbearing. As alternatives to hysterectomy become increasingly available, the efficacies and risks of these treatments are important to delineate. The purpose of this bulletin is to review the literature about medical and surgical alternatives to hysterectomy and to offer treatment recommendations...