GYNECARE THERMACHOICE® - a real alternative to hysterectomy
For years, women suffering from really heavy periods (menorrhagia) have either had to put up with the embarrassment and discomfort of the condition, or undergo either dilation and curettage, or a full hysterectomy. Both are invasive surgical procedures.
Many women with a problem as severe as Paula Millington’s are referred for hysterectomy. But for many women this is not an viable option as they consider they are too young for such a radical procedure.
Instead, she is one of more than 700,0001 women around the world to have had her heavy bleeding treated by GYNECARE THERMACHOICE®, a highly successful minimally invasive procedure normally undertaken as day case surgery.
Paula, who lives in North Yorkshire, was a keen sportswoman – enjoying netball in particular. But for 10 years she suffered from really heavy periods, often bleeding for as many as 20 days a month. This put many restrictions on her day to day life.
After trying a number of different potential solutions, none of which worked for her, she spoke to a friend in her netball team who told her about GYNECARE THERMACHOICE®. Paula then visited her GP who gave her all relevant information and leaflets about the procedure and she had GYNECARE THERMACHOICE® in February 2006 at Harrogate District Hospital.
She says “I had a general anaesthetic and the procedure was fully explained to me. Everything went well and I was home a few hours later. After the procedure I had some cramping in my stomach but no more than a heavy period pain. I rested for about 2 days and one week later I was back playing sport.”
When asked how her life has changed since having the procedure she says “I had suffered for 10 years and this restricted me from doing sport and general things. Now I have one period a month which lasts two days at the most and no period pain. Also I can use tampons again.”
The aim of the GYNECARE THERMACHOICE® procedure is to remove the lining of the womb, thus reducing heavy periods or stopping bleeding altogether. It involves passing a thin catheter inside the womb through the cervix. There is a balloon on the end of the catheter. Hot fluid is circulated inside the balloon and the heat treats the lining of the womb. The procedure takes eight minutes and it can be done under general or local anaesthetic. Even if done under a general anaesthetic the patient will usually be able to go home the same day.
These procedures have helped reduce the number of hysterectomies performed in the UK. This means that an increasing number of women are avoiding the risks of major surgery.
Background Notes
Period problems are very common; it is estimated that in the UK alone, heavy bleeding affects about 22% of premenopausal women over the age of 35 years, and 5% of women aged 30±49 years consult their general practitioners (GPs) with heavy bleeding each year2. The diagnosis ‘heavy periods’ is usually made when bleeding is interfering with a woman’s work or social life, or limiting her activities. Heavy periods can be due to conditions such as fibroids or polyps, but often no obvious cause is found. Treatments have traditionally consisted of tablets, coils, then hysterectomy.
ETHICON™ Women’s Health & Urology has set up a dedicated Women’s Health Careline – a telephone-based service staffed by trained health professionals who deal with many aspects of women’s health, including menorrhagia. Women can call in complete confidence on 0845 850 0305 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. In addition, further information on menorrhagia and other gynaecological conditions can be found at www.womenshealthsolutions.co.uk.
More than 40,000 hysterectomies were carried out in England in 2003 – 20043. It is believed that heavy periods was the presenting complaint in about half of these cases4. Furthermore, about half of all women who have a hysterectomy for heavy periods have a healthy uterus removed.
GYNECARE THERMACHOICE® allows women to retain their uterus, avoid major surgery and reduce their periods to a moderate or light flow. This treatment can be performed in the outpatient setting under local or general anaesthetic. Women can normally return home the same day and resume normal activities within 24 hours.
References
1. Data on File, ETHICON™ Women’s Health & Urology
2. Amso, N et al Uterine endometrial thermal balloon therapy for the treatment of menorrhagia: long-term multicentre follow-up study. Human Reproduction Vol.18, No.5 pp. 1082±1087, 2003
3. Healthcare Episode Statistic Data, Department of Health London, 2004
4. Coulter A, Kelland J, Long A et al; The management of menorrhagia, Qual Healthcare 4, 218 -226 1995
Published in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing's Practice Nurse Association
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