Dr. Ramin Mirhashemi, MD of Gynecological Oncology Associates Discusses Uterine Fibroid Treatment with da Vinci Robotic Hysterectomy Surgery

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Uterine fibroids affect more than 30% of American women. However, many do not exhibit symptoms and therefore do not require fibroid treatment. Uterine fibroids treatment is only required if the fibroids are large enough to cause pressure on other organs (such as the bladder), grow rapidly, cause abnormal bleeding or cause problems with fertility. Uterine fibroids symptoms usually cause heavy or abnormal bleeding and discomfort, but the biggest concern for most women is difficulty in conceiving a baby.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100721/NY38575LOGO )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100721/NY38575LOGO )

"Minimally invasive uterine fibroids surgery has improved fibroid removal, with fewer complications and a faster recovery," says Dr. Ramin Mirhashemi of Gynecological Oncology Associates. "And with robotic hysterectomy, the technology only improves the procedure." With the use of da Vinci robotic surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions to insert tools and monitor the procedure through a tiny camera that is inserted into the patient.

Removing fibroids is important to preserve fertility and enable conception and implantation of the embryo in the uterine wall and facilitate a full-term, healthy pregnancy. Hysterectomy is the popular uterine fibroid treatment, but it also eliminates the ability for a woman to conceive a child. Traditional open surgery can also affect fertility because of scar tissue that builds from the incision in the uterus.

There are also other less invasive fibrosis treatments, which are less traumatic for the patient but still cannot preserve fertility. "Simply put, the uterus cannot be sewn back together well enough to ensure a full-term, healthy pregnancy," said Dr. Mirhashemi, who has the most experience in robotic surgery for gynecologic conditions in western United States. He and his staff at Gynecological Oncology Associates provide comprehensive care, professional expertise, and individualized attention to each patient seeking optimal gynecological care.

Thanks to robotic surgery, surgeons can use smaller tools for greater precision and range of motion. Surgeons like Dr. Mirhashemi sits at a nearby console looking through a monitor inside the patient and controlling the robot with hand controls and foot pedals. The camera gives the surgeon a 3D view of up to 15X magnification. "The robot helps me see very small blood vessels and nerves that I can spare, which results in very little damage to the surrounding tissue," said Mirhashemi.

Dr. Mirhashemi provides these helpful tips about uterine fibroids:

• Always call your doctor if you have heavy bleeding, pain or reproductive issues.
• Fibroids are usually benign, made up of fibrous tissue and smooth muscle.
• Fibroids are usually found in the uterus, uterine wall or outside of the uterus.
• Fibroids are usually more prevalent in women in their 40's.
• They can grow as a single tumor or in clusters varying in size.
• Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumors seen by gynecologists.

"As the popularity of robotic surgery grows and gains acceptance, women can be assured of safer, effective fibroid removal with a greater chance of preserving fertility," said Dr. Mirhashemi.

www.gynla.com

SOURCE www.gynla.com