New Alternative to Hysterectomy
ThermaChoice Uterine Balloon Therapy
at
St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center
Women will be relieved to know that they may not have to get a complete
hysterectomy to cure excessive menstrual bleeding. Dr. Robert Neuwirth,
Director of Hysteroscopic Surgery at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center
has invented a new alternative to the hysterectomy procedure called ThermaChoice
Uterine Balloon Therapy. St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center is presently
the only hospital in Manhattan offering this procedure to patients.
Unlike hysterectomy, which takes out the entire uterus, the procedure
destroys the lining of the uterus by the use of heat. Because the uterine
lining is destroyed, this is not a treatment option for women who desire
pregnancy.
The way ThermaChoice works is as follows:
First, a soft flexible balloon attached to a thin catheter (tube) is
inserted into the vagina through the cervix and placed gently into the
uterus. Then the balloon is inflated with a sterile fluid which expands
to fit the size and shape of the uterus. The fluid in the balloon is heated
to 87 degrees C or 188 degrees F and maintained for eight minutes while
the uterine lining is treated When the treatment cycle is complete, all
the fluid is withdrawn from the balloon and the catheter is removed. Nothing
stays in the uterus. The uterine lining has been treated and will slough
off similarly to a menstrual period in the next 7 - 10 days.
ThermaChoice has the potential to offer patients:
- an alternative to hysterectomy or other major surgical procedures
- an outpatient procedure, no hospital stay
- a fast recovery, with a return to normal activity within two days
for most patients
- reduced bleeding
If you would like more information about this procedure, please call
(212) 523-3451 or write to info@WeHealNewYork.org.
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