Spire Bristol Hospital, The Glen

INNOVATIVE SURGICAL TECHNIQUE TO HELP WOMEN WITH FIBROID IN BRISTOL

A minimally invasive technique to remove fibroids from women‘s wombs is being pioneered at a Bristol hospital.

Surgical removal of fibroids, when it is required is commonly carried out through an operation called myomectomy which can involve a large, abdominal cut which can take days for the patient to recover from.

But Valentine Akande, Consultant Surgeon at Spire Bristol Hospital, The Glen, can perform the same procedure but by using minimally invasive key-hole surgical techniques.

“Fibroids are quite common growths found in women‘s reproductive organs,” he explained. “Although they are non-cancerous they can grow quite large, sometimes to the size of a melon, and in extreme cases can cause heavy bleeding, miscarriages and even infertility.”

Mr Akande has been carrying out myomectomies for several years and, as an advanced laparoscopic surgeon, is able to combine the procedures and offer a minimally-invasive operation.

He said: “Women who want to preserve their fertility are advised to have the fibroids removed through myomectomy, but they can be discouraged when they learn the operation is generally carried out by making a large incision through their abdomen.

“Now it is possible to perform the same surgery for suitable patients through laparoscopic techniques, better known as key-hole surgery, using very small incisions to the abdomen, offering quicker recovery times, with most patients going home a day after the surgery, as opposed to several days after the larger open incision.”

It is estimated that between 50 per cent of women will develop fibroids by the age of 50 but only a fifth will experience symptoms and for many, treatment may not be required. For those women who do have surgery it is also estimated that following myomectomy, the chances of pregnancy could be significantly improved.

Mr Akande added: “The main message is that women diagnosed with fibroids should not worry too much because it is quite a common condition and, thankfully, is treatable.

“However, no one likes the thought of having a large slice in their stomach, so this minimally invasive technique will, I‘m sure, come as a welcome to relief to the many women diagnosed with the condition.”

ENDS 19TH AUGUST 2009

For more information please contact Louie Hadley on 01275 349 011, email louie@sturgessvandamme.co.uk