Gynecological surgery has embraced minimally invasive techniques through the use of what is called DualPort technology. The term “DualPort” refers to the fact that there are two points of entry. One of them is made at the belly button. The other is made at the level of the pubic hair. They leave no real scar. There are advantages which appeal to both the patient and physician.
Through one of the entries a long thin tube with a small camera is placed. Through the other entry the tools are placed. The cuts are 5-millimeters. This is much smaller than what is used for laparoscopic surgery.
This type of surgery can be used to treat many conditions. These include fibroids, bleeding, endometriosis, prolapse and cancer. This technique may be used for other procedures. In addition other surgeons are looking at adopting the technique.
In addition, many patients that had been told that they are not able to undergo this surgery due to weight or other reasons are now able to have this surgery.
Gynecological Surgery and Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are tumors or growths in the muscles of the uterus. They can get quite large. Because of their size they cause heavy bleeding, frequent urination, constipation, bloating and pain. They impede the ability to become pregnant or to carry a pregnancy.
Noteworthy that the unspoken problem with fibroids is that many women ignore them and wait many years before seeking any help.
The treatment has been a hysterectomy. However that may be avoided through the use of what is called a myomectomy. This involves cutting out the fibroids.
These fibroids can be on the outside of the uterus. They can be inside. The ones that are outside tend to be a lesser problem. However the ones that are growing in the lining are a problem.
In terms of the cause of these fibroids, there is no clear answer. Hormones can play a role. In large measure they are thought to be genetic. Diets that are heavy in red meat and low in green vegetables and citrus fruit may increase risk. Call, or contact us for a free consult.
Uterine Fibroids-Treatment
The treatment of hysterectomy carries with it risks of infection, bowel and bladder problems, increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
The other options aside from myomectomy are that of hormone treatments and radiology to shrink the fibroids. In addition there is the option of watchful waiting. In other words wait and see if they shrink over time.
Hormone therapy does not get rid of the fibroid.
Radiology tends to cut off the blood flow and thereby kills the fibroid.
The treatment of fibroids can involve medical malpractice issues. If you or a loved one believe there is fault in the treatment of fibroids contact medical malpractice attorney Brien Roche.
Cervix Cancer Misdiagnosis
Failure to diagnose cervix cancer can be curtailed through pap smears. Pre cancer lesions and early cancers can be seen through pap smears. This involves a scraping of cells from the cervix. They are then examined. Hence any lesions seen can be removed before they become cancer. Some doctors recommend annual pap smears. The rate of false negatives can be as high as 30%. After age 30, three negative tests in a row may merit pap smears every three years. The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality says that nearly 50% of the women with cervix cancer did not have a pap smear within the three years before the finding.
This cancer is much like other forms of cancer such as skin cancer. In other words they can be seen and treated if physician and patient are on the lookout.
Errors in reading pap smears do occur. Hence the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act sets forth certain standards as far as how many slides a cytotechnologist can review , certain work load limits and quality control procedures.
The American Society of Cytopathology has further refined those standards. They have set standards as far as the number of slides to be reviewed in the course of an eight hour work day. Many of the errors are due to over work. That is too many samples to review in the course of a day.
Any such case should be reviewed by a gynecological oncologist who should be able to address the issue of causation. In other words could the cancer be cured or would the plaintiff’s chance of survival have been greater had the cancer been timely seen.
For more information on cancer see the pages on Wikipedia. Also call, or contact us for a free consult.