Laparoscopic Procedures - Hysterectomy - Myomectomy
Cystectomy - Oophorectomy/Salpingectomy
Urodynamics for Urinary Incontinence

Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Women with heavy periods lose 10 to 24 times the normal amount of blood during their menstrual period, and may experience symptoms such as iron deficiency, pain and fatigue.  While many have lived with these symptoms for years and believe that they are simply a fact of nature, abnormally heavy periods can benefit from medical treatment provided by an experienced doctor like Dr. Quartell.  Manufactured by Gynecare, ThermaChoice® is a minimally invasive, effective treatment option for menorrhagia, or abnormally heavy periods. 

While there are several different treatment options available for managing heavy periods, only ThermaChoice produces effective results through a minimally invasive procedure with no incisions.  Dr. Quartell may recommend birth control pills or medication to help manage your period, but this is often ineffective or undesirable for women.  Hysterectomies are also performed to help treat menorrhagia, but this procedure involves removing the uterus and is considered major surgery.

Procedure
During the ThermaChoice procedure, Dr. Quartell will insert a soft, flexible balloon into the uterus by passing through the vagina and cervix.  The balloon is then filled with fluid so that it inflates and molds to fit the unique shape of the uterus.  The fluid in the balloon is then heated and circulated in the uterus for 8 minutes to help treat the lining of the uterus.  The fluid and then balloon are then carefully removed from the uterus with nothing left behind. 

This procedure can be performed in Dr. Quartell's office and does not require any incision.  The entire procedure takes just eight minutes to perform, and patients are able to return home immediately after.  Some women may experience feelings of warmth or pressure during the treatment, but this procedure is otherwise painless.

Recovery
After the ThermaChoice procedure, patients can return to work and other regular activities the next day.  Most patients schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after the procedure, at which point sexual activity can resume as well.  Also within 7 to 10 days after the procedure, the treated uterine lining will shed in the form of a menstrual period.

Some women may continue to experience heavy menstrual bleeding for their first few periods after the ThermaChoice procedure, but most women eventually see their periods return to a more normal state.  As many as 9 out of 10 women experienced a significant reduction in pain and cramping one year after treatment, with high levels of patient satisfaction after this minimally invasive procedure.

Risks and Complications
Although ThermaChoice is considered a safe treatment option for managing heavy periods, there are certain risks and complications associated with any medical procedure.  Some of these risks may include rupture of the uterus, thermal injury to uterine tissue, hemorrhaging, infection, perforation and more.  Most of these are considered rare, and most patients undergo this procedure with little to no complications. 

This procedure should not be performed on women with active genital or urinary tract infections, with intrauterine devices in place, or who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant in the future.

If you are interested in learning more about the ThermaChoice procedure, please call us today to schedule an appointment.

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