21 August 2014

Nurse given new lease of life and avoids hysterectomy thanks to innovative new treatment


Jessop Wing has become the first hospital in the region to offer a pioneering new treatment for womb prolapse which reduces recovery time and prevents women from requiring a hysterectomy.

Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus (womb) sags or slips from its normal position and into the vagina. This can cause pain, discomfort and embarrassment.

Most patients recover quickly from the operation, known as Sacrohysteropexy, and are able to return home the next day, whereas patients who have undergone a hysterectomy stay in hospital for an average of three days. The procedure can also be performed Laparoscopically (through key hole surgery), providing a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy.

Dr Swati Jha, Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Urogynaecology at Jessop Wing in Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, is one of the few gynaecological surgeons who performs Laparoscopic Sacrohysteropexy in the UK.

Miss Jha explains: “Around 50 per cent of women suffer from prolapse of the uterus or vagina after childbirth or during menopause, as the pelvic floor muscles weaken. And one in ten women will need surgery for prolapse over their lifetime. This innovative operation provides women with more treatment options and allows them to get back to their daily routines much quicker.”

“Many women who have suffered from prolapse prefer to keep their womb intact for a variety of reasons. Sacrohysteropexy allows me to put the women’s womb back in place rather than removing it, this reduces the risk of complications and speeds up recovery. It is important to select the appropriate patients for this procedure and to inform patients that it involves the use of synthetic mesh. The mesh which is inserted through the tummy lifts and holds the womb in place. This allows healing tissue to grow around the mesh and creates a very robust solution to prolapse. There are no vaginal incisions, scarring or impact on vaginal length and the option for child bearing is still viable if the women has not yet gone through the menopause. We do however advise women to proceed with surgery only after they have completed their family as further childbearing can reverse the effects of surgery and cause the prolapse to recur”

One of the first patients to undergo the surgery in Sheffield was Ann Staniland from Meersbrook, Sheffield. The 62 year old mother of two suffered from uterine prolapse for ten
years but didn’t seek treatment until it gradually became worse over the last 18 months. Ann, a Gynaecology nurse herself, put off looking into surgical treatment before she was aware of the new minimally invasive treatment option.

Ann said: “I am very active, I do a lot of dancing and running and the prolapse was causing some discomfort whilst doing the things I enjoy. It was always at the back of my
mind so it was mentally draining as well. As the condition started to get worse I looked to see if there was anything that could be done and I wanted to avoid having a hysterectomy if
I could.”

“Having the procedure has given me a new lease of life, I feel better physically and mentally when doing my day to day activities particularly running around after my two little grandchildren! It has improved my general quality of life. It’s a particularly good option for younger women as it doesn’t stop menstruation or affect you sexually so I want more women to be aware of this option.”

 



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