It is estimated that one in nine women will undergo a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus or womb). However, these numbers are on the decline due to the development of more conservative therapies for some of the problems that hysterectomy has been used to treat.
With the formation of the HALT (Hysterectomy Alternatives) Clinic, the Olson Center for Women’s Health is offering options to women who may not want to have a hysterectomy or who may not be a good candidate for major surgery.
“The Olson Center has wanted to offer this type of comprehensive evaluation of hysterectomy alternatives for some time,” said Sonja Kinney, M.D., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and medical director for the Olson Center for Women’s Health.
Teamwork
Specialists from the UNMC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the UNMC Department of Radiology’s interventional radiology division have teamed to form the HALT Clinic to provide women who suffer from uterine fibroids and pelvic pain an alternative to major surgery.
Joseph McBride, M.D., division chief of interventional radiology, also sees the teaming as good for peer-to-peer education.
“The advantage of having both teams here at the same time is we can help educate each other about some of the things we do and also make sure the patients receive all the options available, so they can make the best choice for themselves,” Dr. McBride said.
So why the formation and need of a HALT Clinic?
Exploring alternatives
Laura Cudzilo, M.D., instructor, obstetrics and gynecology, said there are many reasons why women consider treatments other than hysterectomy.
Some women have other health problems that can include heart disease, obesity, and poorly-controlled diabetes or high blood pressure that can put them at an increased risk for complications in the setting of a major surgery like hysterectomy.
Women who are interested in becoming pregnant would also want a hysterectomy alternative.
There also are other commitments such as work, family or other obligations that may prevent a patient from taking a lot of time away for the surgery and recovery.
“Some women simply do not feel ready to commit to such a definitive surgery,” Dr. Cudzilo said.
The goal of the HALT Clinic is to provide the full spectrum of treatment options available to patients so they can make the right decision for their own unique situation.