Risk Benefit Analysis: Minimally Invasive Surgery

June 3rd, 2013

When comparing the risks and benefits of open surgery versus minimally invasive surgery, such as a laparoscopic hysterectomy, all circumstances must be considered.  For example, according to Dr. Anthony Quartell’s spring 2013 article written for the physician’s MDAdvisor Magazine, a hysterectomy on an extremely large uterus (one that is more than an 18 to 20 week pregnancy size) might be prohibitively time consuming when choosing the minimally invasive surgery.  He goes on to explain that although the laparoscopic instruments can effectively disconnect a fibroid uterus from its attachments the uterus still needs to be removed, small piece by small piece until it is entirely withdrawn.  In this case, the open surgery may be the better choice in order to prevent the patient from being on the operating table longer than necessary.

However, there are far more instances when minimally invasive surgery would be the patient’s best option.For more information on this topic, a piece of Dr. Quartell’s article will follow over the next few weeks,  small piece by small piece at a time!

Anthony C. Quartell, MD and Associates serves the areas of Livingston, N.J., Short Hills, N.J., West Orange, N.J. and surrounding areas.

Posted in gynecological problem, surgery |

Our patient’s experience undergoing a laparoscopic hysterectomy with Dr. Anthony Quartell

May 7th, 2013

At the time of Bernadeen Mitchell -Ghans’s post operative appointment today, she indicated the following with regard to her surgical experience: “This surgery ( laparoscopic hysterectomy ) was not what I imagined.  I thought of a long recovery period and pain.  However, Dr. Quartell’s expertise allowed me to have an almost pain free experience.  I am extremely satisfied and happy with my surgical experience.”

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves Livingston, N.J., Millburn, N.J., Short Hills, N.J., West Orange, N.J. and surrounding areas.

Posted in gynecological problem, surgery |

Patient says she was out of work only 4 days after surgery to remove a large fibroid

April 25th, 2013

K.Charles, a patient of Dr. Quartell’s, commented on the surgery Dr. Quartell performed on her a few years ago. ” I had been experiencing intense cramping and bleeding during periods and I hadn’t seen the Doctor in a while for my regular exams.  When Dr. Quartell examined me he knew instantly that it was a large fibroid causing the problems which he confirmed with tests.  Consequently, he performed a robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy to remove only the fibroid.  I was out of bed and walking around the next day.  After only four days of being out of work, I was able to return to work feeling great!  I had more energy and felt much better.  I would recommend Dr. Quartell for this surgery.”

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves Livingston, N.J., Millburn,N.J., West Orange, N.J., Florham Park, N.J. and surrounding areas.

Posted in gynecological problem, surgery |

April 15th, 2013

Lori is a forty three year old mother of two  who came to see Dr. Quartell for the first time complaining of pelvic pressure and bleeding.  Upon exam and ultrasound confirmation, Dr. Quartell found a seventeen week size fibroid that had been bothering Lori for a long time.  Lori explained that she had finally “had it” and subsequently wanted it treated surgically as opposed to any other options.

Three weeks later Lori underwent a robotic laparoscopic supra cervical hysterectomy to remove the fibroid uterus and her pain and bleeding along with it.  Upon Lori’s post operative visit, she told Dr. Quartell that this surgery was “the best thing that happened to her in a long time” and now because of it, she can return to her normally active life.  “I have two kids and stopped going out because of it and I even refused to go on a trip a few months ago because of it.  My life immediately improved after the surgery and I have Dr. Quartell to thank.” she lauged and added ” My kids have Dr. Quartell to thank.”

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves Livingston,N.J., Millburn,N.J., West Orange, N.J. and surrounding areas.

Posted in gynecological problem, surgery, urinary problem |

Types of Hysterectomy

April 8th, 2013

A total hysterectomy is when the entire uterus and cervix is removed.  Additionally, a radical hysterectomy involves this and also removing the supporting structures around the uterus.  Many times it is done to treat certain types of cancer.

A supracervical hysterectomy is the removal of the upper part of the uterus but leaving the cervix in place.

An oophorectomy is the removal of ovaries and a salpingectomy is the removal of the fallopian tubes.  One or both of these can be done along with a hysterectomy if necessary.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves Livingston, N.J., West Orange, N.J., Short Hills, N.J., Millburn,N.J., Verona, N.J. and surrounding areas.

Posted in gynecological problem, surgery, urinary problem |

Seeking Treatments for Fibroids

March 25th, 2013

By the time women reach menopause, many - possibly up to 80% may have developed benign pelvic tumors or uterine fibroids.  However, much of the time these fibroids may not cause any problems, therefore, the patient may have no symptoms- and the fibroids will actually decrease in size over time.  Consequently, once the patient has been examined and tested to ensure that there is no malignancy, it may be feasible for her physician to utilize an observation approach, as opposed to a surgical one.

However, surgical management of the fibroid(s) may be indicated if the patient indicates she has any of the following symptoms:  abnormal uterine bleeding that does not respond to other more conservative methods such as lupron injections or other treatments, an increase in size after menopause, pain that interferes with her quality of life, some chronic urinary issues.  Also, there may be indication to perform surgery if the patient has had infertility issues related to endometrial abnormalities or tubal obstruction.  Of course, malignancy must be ruled out as the first step regardless of the chosen treatment to pursue.

The first thing a woman should do if she suspects fibroids as a result of any of the above symptoms, is see her gynecologist for a thorough evaluation.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves the areas of Livingston,N.J., Short Hills, N.J., Millburn, N.J., West Orange, N.J. and surrounding areas.

Posted in gynecological problem, surgery, urinary problem |

Fibroids and other problems could be the cause for abnormal bleeding

March 11th, 2013

Females who complain of abnormal uterine bleeding should be evaluated by the obstetrician gynecologist who will perform an exam, ultrasound and other potential testing depending on the individual case.  The physician will ask the patient how long she has been bleeding and where  the bleeding appears to be coming from (in urine only, on tissue when wiping vagina or rectum).  Other questions the physician will ask relate to the frequency and duration of the bleeding and the relation to her menstrual cycle.  He will ask if she is sexually active and if there are any other associated symptoms , such as pain, as well as questions regarding medications.   It would be helpful for the patient to know her family history as well.

The obstetrician gynecologist will review her answers, examine her and if necessary he or she may order an ultrasound or other tests to confirm whatever suspicions he or she may have.  Some of the causes the doctor may suspect could include fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, anovulation, disorder of hemostatsis, neoplasia or some kind of trauma or infection.  Of course, the only way for the doctor to find his way to any conclusive answer is for the patient to schedule an appointment first!

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves Livingston, N.J. , West Orange, N.J., Caldwell, N.J.,  Whippany, N.J. and surrounding areas.

Posted in gynecological problem, surgery, urinary problem |

Humanitarian Outreach helps everyone

March 1st, 2013

As a believer in bringing surgical relief efforts to low-income countries, Anthony Quartell, MD is planning a trip to the country of Grenada located in the Grenadines.  comprised of about 110,000 people.  It is estimated that only about a third of those born in Grenada actually still live there, as many young people seek to live elsewhere  for “better” opportunities.

In an effort to share his knowledge with  a country that has  limited resources, commencing in April 2013  Dr Anthony Quartell  is participating in a medical mission to bring minimally  invasive gynecology to Grenada.   There are over 100,000,00 residents of third world countries with access to only a handful of gynecologists who do not have the ability or knowledge to provide this care.  By teaching those gynecologists to perform  minimally invasive surgery in a safe manner, Dr. Quartell hopes  to help decrease infection, reach good outcomes and bring  them into the 21st century.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves Livingston,N.J., Florham Park, N.J., Millburn,N.J. West Orange, N.J. and surrounding areas.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Another happy NEW MOM

February 18th, 2013

When Alisa came in to see Dr. Anthony Quartell for her post partum visit after delivering a healthy baby girl, she explained how she and her husband had given up on ever having their own child.  In fact, they had just started to look into adoption when Alisa became pregnant for the third time.  Her first two pregnancies had ended in miscarriages and it took a few years between each before she was able to conceive this last time.

As she happilly introduced Dr. Quartell and his staff to her beautiful daughter, she reflected on her long struggle and thanked everyone for being so helpful and supportive to her.  Alisa’s first pregnancy had ended in a fetal demise at 7 weeks and her second one ended at 7 1/2 weeks.  She and her husband’s genetic histories did not reveal anything that should have been responsible for the miscarriages.  Her first losses were probably of just poor ovum formation and not necessarily related to any chronic medical history.

Ultimately, after diligence to following the  instructions Dr. Quartell had given to her and her husband in order to conceive, Alisa ended up with the outcome she had always dreamed of.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves Livinston, N.J., Millburn, N.J., West Orange, N.J., and Verona, N.J. and surrounding areas.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Post Operative Patient says Dr. Quartell changed her life

February 15th, 2013

Upon Miriam’s post operative visit last week, this 48 year old patient indicated that she couldn’t be happier with the results from her recent laparoscopic supra cervical hysterectomy (LSH) performed by Dr. Anthony Quartell and his first assistant Marisa Hamrah, Nurse Practitioner. 

“I did not expect to be back at work so quickly.”  Miriam told our staff nurses when she came in for her post operative appointment a week after the surgery. ” I figured I would have to miss more work but I feel so good I’m even going to the gym tomorrow.”

Miriam had a large fibroid that her previous physician had tried to treat non-surgically  but failed.  Consequently, he referred her to Dr. Quartell for this laparoscopic surgery that he has been successfully performing on patients for  more than five years.

Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves Livingston, N.J., Short Hills, N.J., Millburn, N.J., and surrounding areas.

Posted in gynecological problem, surgery |

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