Mahaska Health Partnership Explains Robotic-Assisted Fibroid Removal
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – A variety of benign (non-cancerous) conditions can affect a women’s reproductive system. Obstetrics and Gynecological Physicians (OB/GYN) specialize in the treatment of conditions affecting females. One common condition MHP OB/GYN Specialist Dr. Jeffrey Fowler treats is uterine fibroids.
“Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus,” Dr. Fowler explained. “Most women do not notice symptoms and they go away on their own. However, when a woman has heavy bleeding, enlarged lower abdomen, lower back pain or reproductive problems; she should seek treatment.”
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, fibroids can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit. They are most common in women in their 40s and 50s, but can occur at any age. The cause of fibroids is unknown but risk factors include age, family history, weight and eating habits.
“Women who do develop symptoms from fibroids often require medical treatment in order to overcome them,” Dr. Fowler stressed. “Fibroids can be detected during a regular physical exam or through ultrasound.”
Dr. Fowler explained that fibroids are treated based on the severity of a woman’s symptoms. “If a woman has small fibroids that cause mild discomfort, an over-the-counter pain reliever is usually sufficient. However, if she is experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, we often look at surgical treatment options.”
At MHP, Dr. Fowler performs traditional open, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical procedures on the female anatomy. “The type of surgery we do depends on the patient, the severity of their symptoms and their long-term goals,” Dr. Fowler shared.
“I can perform a myomectomy (fibroid removal) without taking out the healthy tissue of the uterus. Further, I can use the da Vinci robot for this procedure, which results in less blood loss and scarring, significantly less pain and the opportunity for future pregnancies.”
If you’re female and suffering with pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding or pelvic organ prolapsed, Dr. Fowler can discuss treatment options with you. For an appointment with Dr. Fowler, call 641.672.3360.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
