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U.Va. Offers New Procedure to Reduce Unusually Heavy Menstrual BleedingThe University of Virginia Health System is offering a new procedure to reduce bleeding in women with unusually heavy menstrual bleeding. The new procedure, which uses heat to destroy the lining of the uterus, offers women a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy.Heavy menstrual bleeding, known as menorrhagia, is a common disorder that affects one out of five women. The most common cause of heavy bleeding is hormonal imbalance prior to menopause, especially for women in their 30s and 40s, said Dr. William Irvin, assistant professor of gynecologic oncology at U.Va. Benign uterine growths such as fibroids or polyps can also cause heavy bleeding. In the new procedure, called uterine balloon therapy, physicians insert a catheter with a soft, flexible balloon into the uterus and then inflate the balloon with a sterile fluid, Irvin said. The fluid in the balloon is then heated to a certain temperature for eight minutes, which destroys the lining of the uterus and prevents the bleeding from recurring. This new procedure allows us to offer a safe, simple and less invasive option for women who don't want a hysterectomy, Irvin said. The entire procedure only takes about 20 minutes, and most women are able to return to normal activities in a day or two. It's important to note that this procedure is not an option for women who still want to have children, since it destroys the uterine lining making pregnancy dangerous for both the fetus and the mother. So far, U.Va. physicians have performed uterine balloon therapy on eight patients. For more information, contact:
May 13, 1999 |