For more than a decade,
Dr. del Junco Jr. has been successfully helping women.
Here are several questions
that are frequently asked:
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep checking back as more Frequently Asked Questions will be added in the future.
- How does Female Alternative Surgery differ from a traditional myomectomy?
- Will my fibroids return?
- Is there any limitation to the size of the uterus or the number of tumors that can be treated with FAS?
- Have women successfully maintained fertility post-FAS?
- Is FAS experimental?
- Will my insurance company pay for this procedure?
- How long will I be out of work?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- Why is this procedure only done in California at the Institute?
- How long do I need to stay in California?
- Where can I stay when not in the hospital?
- See Surgery Calendar
How does Female Alternative Surgery differ from a traditional myomectomy?
FAS addresses multiple disease processes of the female pelvis, not simply fibroid tumors. Many patients also have associated ovarian cystic disease, ventral hernias due to abdominal wall pressure, or uterine prolapse due to the weight of tumors and Endometriosis. Any of these existing conditions are surgically repaired at the time of the procedure. Lasers are also used to reduce tissue damage and prevent blood loss. At the Institute, we have never had to transfuse a patient regardless of tumor size or quantity.
Will my fibroids return?
Since opening the Institute eight years ago, we have never had a patient return for reccuring fibroids. Our recurrence rates are approximately 1-3% with FAS as compared to 12% to 64% with traditional myomectomy. Because of the surgical technique and laser use the smaller tumors are also removed, unlike a traditional myomectomy. The tumors also do not tend to produce future problems or symptoms necessitating a hysterectomy.
Is there any limitation to the size of the uterus or the number of tumors that can be treated with FAS?
We have yet to see a women we were unable to help with FAS. The average sized uterine tumor we operate on is 20-25 weeks, however we have successfully removed tumors up to 36 week size, and from one uterus, 500 tumors were once removed, avoiding hysterectomy.
Have women successfully maintained fertility post FAS?
Absolutely. Several of our patients have conceived and delivered children post surgery.
Is FAS experimental?
No. Removal of fibroid tumors has been a well-recognized procedure for over 50 years. Our blood saving techniques and multiple lasers are what separate this procedure from a traditional myomectomy.
Will my insurance company pay for this procedure?
Private insurance or cash is required. This procedure is not covered by HMOs, Medicare or State funded Medical/Medicaid plans. Reimbursement can vary greatly depending on the insurance company, specific plan and the state in which the patient resides. Payment of deductibles is required upon admission to Temple Hospital. Average total out of pocket cost to patients is approximately $6,000.00.
How long will I be off work?
The patient will need approximately 4-6 weeks, depending on her occupation. Labor intensive/stressful jobs require 6 weeks, sedentary professions usually 4 weeks. Disability insurance does pay for time off.
How long will I be in the hospital?
The hospital stay is 4 days and 3 nights. An optional extra night is offered free of charge the night before the surgery as a courtesy to our out of area patients.
Why is this procedure only done in California at the Institute?
Technically, no one has been trained to perform this type of surgery. It is a highly specialized procedure that requires laser skill and a dedication to preserving tissue. It is not taught in medical schools. Our medical philosophy is focused around the preservation of women’s organs, and offering patients an alternative to radical and irreversible surgery. Traditional medicine still has a large contingency that does not believe in the importance of the preservation of the female reproductive system. We do not believe in hysterectomy as the primary treatment for benign disease-which is a directly opposite viewpoint to the general philosophy of mainstream medicine.
How long do I need to stay in California?
Patients are required to stay in California two full weeks from their first consultation with Dr. del Junco Jr. to one week after discharge from the hospital. 10 days post-operation, the patient meets with the doctor to receive a wound check and wound care instructions before going home.
Where do I stay when not in the hospital?
We recommend several hotels in the area, ranging from economy to four-star with prices varying seasonally and by area.