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Are Hysterectomies
Being Prescribed
Unnecessarily?
Every 10 Minutes, 4 Potentially Unnecessary Hysterectomies Are
Performed for the Treatment of Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 23, 2003-- When you
think hysterectomy, a woman over fifty years typically comes
to mind. The truth is, twice as many women in their twenties
and thirties undergo hysterectomy as women in their fifties
and sixties, according to the Hysterectomy Educational
Resources & Services Foundation (HERS). HERS statistics show
that 98% of their referrals to board-certified gynecologists
who had been told they needed to have a hysterectomy
discovered that they in fact, did not need to have one. In
addition, The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation reports
that for every 10,000 hysterectomies, 11 women die from
complications.
"Excessive uterine bleeding can be debilitating. Hysterectomy
is no longer the only available solution, so it's important
for women to be informed of all treatment options," says Linda
D. Bradley, MD, Director of Hysteroscopic Services at the
Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio. Bradley adds:
"Endometrial ablation offers a chance of relief without the
trauma of major surgery. This new, safe and effective
technology may be an option for some patients."
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a condition that often results in
hysterectomy. The Centers for Disease Control reports that
among women less than 30 years of age, the conditions most
frequently associated with hysterectomy were menstrual
disturbances and cervical dysplasia. It is alarming that
removing a woman's uterus to treat female problems is still
common and acceptable. The NovaSure(TM) Impedance Controlled
Endometrial Ablation System is the most advanced treatment for
excessive menstrual bleeding and may eliminate the need for
hysterectomy as a treatment.
The FDA approved NovaSure procedure ( www.novacept.com ) uses
a slender hand held device to emit precisely measured amounts
of radio frequency energy. In a single 90-second treatment,
the lining of the uterus is permanently eliminated. NovaSure
does not require general anesthesia or endometrial pre-
treatment drug therapy and can be performed as an outpatient
procedure at any time during a woman's cycle. For more information on NovaSure visit Novacept's website at
www.novacept.com or for a physician referral in your area,
call Toll Free: 877-NOVACEPT.
Source: Novacept |
