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Fermin Barrueto, M.D., Director of The Gynecology Center, as well as Chief of Endoscopy and Pelvic Reconstruction, and his associates, Kevin Audlin, M.D., Meghan Lynch, M.D., and Christine O'Connor, M.D., have specialized skill in the diagnosis and treatment of both common and rare gynecologic issues including abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, fibroids, and infertility. Diverse Surgical SkillsWith a diverse and unique set of surgical skills, the physicians of The Gynecology Center are recognized experts in a number of gynecologic surgical techniques:
Treating a Wide-Range of Gynecologic ConditionsDr. Barrueto and his colleagues have extensive experience utilizing their broad range of surgical skills to treat a variety of gynecologic conditions including:
Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques at The Gynecology CenterHysteroscopy In the United States, a tremendous number of hysterectomies are performed each year, of which some are due to abnormal uterine bleeding and may not be necessary. A less invasive, targeted treatment, hysteroscopy, which does not require hospitalization, is often a viable alternative. Hysteroscopy has proven to be an essential investigation technique in the assessment of abnormal uterine bleeding, post-menopausal bleeding, uterine anomalies, menorrhagia related to fibroids and Asherman's syndrome. Resectoscopic myomectomy is a type of operation that can be performed with a hysteroscope. Used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding or uncomfortable fibroid symptoms, resectoscopic myomectomy involves the use of a small telescope, called a resectoscope, which is placed through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity. Electricity is passed through a thin wire attachment of the telescope allowing the instrument to remove fibroids located within the cavity of the uterus and within the endometrial cavity itself. No abdominal incision is necessary and it is considered an outpatient procedure. The physicians at Mercy have are able to use the most advanced technology for resectoscopic myomectomy, allowing for more precision, less risk and fewer complications in this complex surgery. When resectoscopic myomectomy is performed for heavy bleeding, nearly 90 percent of patients return to normal menstrual flow. When fibroids are the cause of infertility, pregnancy rates following this procedure have been about 50 percent. Laparoscopy After the incision is made, the abdominal region is filled with carbon dioxide gas, which helps move the abdominal wall and any organs out of the way, creating a larger space to work in and allowing the surgeon more visibility. The laparoscope is then inserted through the incision. Used to see the inside of the pelvis and abdomen, it can help the surgeon diagnose a condition or it can be used to aid in surgery when additional instruments are inserted. When the procedure is completed, the instruments are removed, the gas is released and the incision(s) is closed. Laparoscopy may be used to detect and treat a wide range of gynecologic conditions including endometriosis, some cancers, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy. Hysterectomies can be performed laparoscopically, typically resulting in less pain and shorter recovery periods. Robotic Surgery The robotic arms move just like a surgeon's wrist, eliminating normal hand tremors and allowing for increased precision. Gynecologic robotic surgery can be used for hysterectomy, myomectomy (treatment of uterine fibroids), endometriosis, sacrocolpopexy (treatment for vaginal vault prolapse) and the removal of endometrial and cervical malignancies. Due to the minimally invasive approach, robotic surgery typically results in less pain, less blood loss, less scarring and a faster return to normal activities. Common Conditions Treated at The Gynecology CenterAbnormal Uterine Bleeding The physician team at Mercy seeks to provide patients with a thorough clinical diagnosis and the best treatment plan for abnormal uterine bleeding. According to Dr. Barrueto, "nearly all women, at some time in their life, experience heavy bleeding during a period. As many as 2 million women each year see their doctors about menorrhagia. It is the most common gynecologic complaint and the reason for two-thirds of all hysterectomies." The physicians of The Gynecology Center have particular expertise in a variety of treatment options available for this very common condition. Endometrial ablation is the best alternative to hysterectomy in treating excessive menstrual bleeding. Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure and can be performed using several different methods, available to patients of The Gynecology Center at Mercy. Chronic Pelvic Pain The physicians of The Gynecology Center take the time to extensively evaluate a patient's history in determining the cause of chronic pelvic pain. These experts have a diverse range of surgical skills to treat many of the gynecologic issues that cause pelvic pain including endometriosis, adhesions, fibroids, cysts and polyps. Additionally, they have access to other renowned and well-respected physicians in the gastrointestinal, neurologic, musculoskeletal and endocrine fields for multidisciplinary consults so that a patient's issue can be fully addressed. Fibroids The presence of fibroids can be confirmed with hysteroscopy, and once confirmed, many treatment options exist. If there are no signs or symptoms, women can engage in "watchful waiting" or expectant management, pursuing a treatment option only if and when symptoms arise. If uncomfortable symptoms are present, women can consider many options including myomectomy (fibroid removal which can be performed with hysteroscopic, laparoscopic or robotic techniques), endometrial ablation, or even hysterectomy. The physicians of The Gynecology Center have acquired a unique and diverse set of surgical skills to treat fibroids through a variety of methods, depending on a patient's needs. Infertility When the condition is severe, a woman usually does not have a period and it can cause infertility or miscarriages. Some infections can also cause Asherman's Syndrome such as tuberculosis or schistosomiasis, but this problem is rare in the United States. The treatment of Asherman's Syndrome requires a highly specialized team with experience in operative hysteroscopy (resectoscopic surgery) that is performed under laparoscopic control, which is necessary for a successful outcome. Dr. Barrueto and his team have extensive experience treating Asherman's Syndrome with good pregnancy rates for many women. Microsurgical Tubal Anastomosis (or tubal ligation reversal) is the process of reconnecting the fallopian tube segments after a tubal ligation. The success of tubal ligation reversal depends on several factors, however, the skill and experience of the surgeon are of the utmost importance. Dr. Barrueto has many years of experience in repairing tubal ligations and uses the most meticulous skill and technique to perform the procedure. Using a surgical microscope, Dr. Barrueto carefully opens the blocked ends of the tubal segments and uses microscopic sutures to precisely realign and reconnect the tube segments. Dr. Barrueto is available for consultations to discuss the procedure and the individual likelihood of successfully rejoining the tubal segments. See Dr. Barrueto on WBAL-TV's The Woman's Doctor discussing this procedure. For more information on diagnosis or treatment, please call 410-321-8452.
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