Laparoscopic hysterectomy–not vaginal

I am scheduled for a laparoscopic hysterectomy next week. I have had the same symptoms for about 5 years. Unmanagable, heavy bleeding during periods. I am 42 and don’t plan to have more children. I am tired, unexpectedly quite often.
I have been taking birth control pills to control the heavy bleeding for about a year. It has helped but I gain a few pounds every month and now I weigh about 35 pounds more than I should. My Dr. says my uterus is enlarged to the size of a 10 week pregnancy and getting larger all the time. He did not use the word adenomyosis when describing my uterus but I am assuming that must be the problem. I also have infrequent painful cramps, but ibuprofen helps a lot. I plan to keep my cervix, my ovaries and have only 4 small abdominal incisions. Is this a newish procedure and does it not sound necessary?
Yvette

Dear Yvette-This procedure is relatively new-obviously the laparoscopic technique saves the recovery of an open surgery. You probably do have adenomyosis-which we feel should is better treated by FAS than hysterectomy.
Our philosophy is organ preservation to reduce the potential of post hysterectomy problems-we do not advocate irreversible/drastic procedures unless there are no other options, as with malignancy.

I have uterine fibroids and “all” I hear from the doctors is hysterectomy or myomectomy. I’m not having any excess bleeding. I only experience some pain during my menstrual cycle as my fibroids have gotten larger and my uterus swells during this time. Is there no one here on the east coast that I can consult? I’d very much like to see you but I live in the Atlanta, Georgia area and would probably need to make at least 2 trips to California. Please help!

Dear Adrienne-
You are the typical fibroid patient with traditional gynecological advice!!! You do not need a hysterectomy!!
You did not indicate your age, so we do not know how close to menopause you are. If you are fairly asymptommatic and close to menopause you may be able to get by without surgery. However, if you are in your early to mid forties or younger the sooner you can treat this disease the better. The Institute is the only place in the U.S. doing this type of laser reconstructive surgery. It is very thorough and we do focus on organ preservation not removal. Good Luck
Dr. DJ

I am a 52 year old female living in South Louisiana where the health care is not the best.
I have a 2″ cyst on my right ovary and I am also menopausal. All tests indicate that it is non-cancerous. However, I have read on the Internet that the CA-125 blood test is only about 60% accurate. I have had this cyst for over 5 years. My doctor wants to do a complete hysterectomy stating to me that I do not need my ovaries, uterus, etc. anymore. I would prefer just removing both of my ovaries.

I also have microscopic lymphocytic colitis that is in remission, colon polyps, and a right hip joint that needs to be replaced. Since all of this is occurring in the same area, I would like to try acupuncture first to see if that can align my body better (more right sided illness).

What do you think? Also, would you know of a medical facility in this area that might be more responsive to my desire to keep my female organs?

Thank you for your response to this complicated medical situation.

Dear Yvonne-
I would not recommend removal of your ovaries for an ovarian cyst. If your physician is considering malignancy, I would definitely not recommend treatment through the laparoscope.
You are correct in your information that CA 125 levels carry a high degree of false positives. The most likely causes of false positive elevations are endometriosis and adenomyosis. We have helped many women in your present situation with FAS. Call us if you need help.

I live in St. Paul, Minnesota. Do you know if there are physician’s in Minnesota who preform the FAS procedure. Also, I heard a little about a procedure that is only being done at the University of Michigan at this time. Are you aware of what that procedure is called?

Dear Lanesha-
I am not aware of any new procedure being performed in Minnesota. We are the only practice currently offering this type of laser reconstructive surgery for fibroids and adenomyosis. If you find anyone else, please let us know.