Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy

The Patient's Viewpoint

Jane--Albuquerque, August 2009

This is a true story. I am 53 years old. I had quite large fibroids which caused very heavy periods; a frequent, sometimes constant, feeling of the need to urinate; and a large, uncomfortable belly, which is GONE!!!! And with hardly any pain. On a Friday, I had a supracervical hysterectomy. The next morning, I went to the downtown farmer's market. That Tuesday, I went for a 25-mile bike ride, and a hike in the Sandia foothills the day after that (with some bushwacking!), and another 25-mile bike ride just one week after my surgery. A week and 2 days after my surgery, I rode 50 miles on my bike in the East Mountains. Okay, so I'm more fit than your average person, which helped my speedy recovery, but even if you're not fit: you'll recover faster than you will with a regular hysterectomy.

For years, I put off having a hysterectomy because I didn't want to go through the 6 weeks without exercise (being laid up that long because of fractures due to bike crashes, or falling while hiking with a heavy pack is one thing; being laid up by choice is another thing). But my gynocologist recommended Dr. Garcia (thank you, Dr. Shoden), and am I ever glad. Dr. Garcia was great: she explained everything thoroughly and clearly, and I cannot imagine a better result.

Susan--Albuquerque, July 2006

I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids almost 10 years ago.  Over time, the monthly bleeding had become progressively worse.  By early 2005, I was suffering from recurring anemia that even iron supplements had a hard time keeping up with.  Not only was it impacting my health; it was impacting my work as a consultant.  During my heaviest days airplane travel of anything more than an hour had become impossible.  My OBGYN doctor referred me to Dr. Amy Garcia to discuss options.

I immediately felt at ease and confident of Dr. Garcia, as she explained several options to me in detail.  After discussing the choices with my husband, I decided on the laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy.  In almost 20 years of marriage, neither my husband nor I had ever needed surgery, so we were both very anxious.  Dr. Garcia made a point of making sure both of us knew exactly what to expect.  She was very patient and answered all my questions prior to and following the surgery, and even took the time to speak with my husband immediately before and after the surgery.

My recovery was quick- just as Dr. Garcia said it would be.  I feel like a new person!  I would highly recommend Dr. Amy Garcia as a doctor and surgeon.

Naya--Albuquerque, August 2006

I am still feeling better and better each day!  It is difficult for me to remember back to how compromised I was during the time of my fibroids.  I had managed to live with discomfort and believed that this was how getting older was.  I had weekly migraines, a very dysfunctional knee, uncomfortable exercise experiences and pressure when urinating.  Wow, what a difference after surgery!  The most significant change is that I have regained my life force energy that had slowly disappeared.  I am so excited to wake up each day and very thankful at the end of the day.  Best of all, I have energy and I look forward to exercising along with everything the day brings.  All of my other symptoms, which I didn't think were related to fibroids, have disappeared.  The migraines seem to only come during my cycle now.

All of this would not have been possible without your incredible talent and skill as a surgeon and your knowledge.  I wanted to undergo the surgery with the laparoscopic method.  My goal was to not spend a night in the hospital.  Even though at our pre-op meeting, it was noted that my fibroids had not shrunk as much as desired during the Lupron treatments, you were still willing to try the laparoscoic method.

I am so thankful that I kept searching for the perfect surgeon.  You were the 5th surgeon that I met with, and your office was the first one that I felt comfortable in.  You were also extremely clear in your explanations.  I felt listened to and I also enjoyed learning all about laparoscopic surgery.  You have given me hope and a new sense of respect and wonder for the medical profession.  Thank you for all you do!  It is so important that you are here teaching us and performing surgery that is less invasive and extremely easy to heal from afterwards.  I am truly blessed to have found you and to have had surgery performed by you.  Thank you.

Yasmin--Las Cruces, 2006

I am a 45 year old business woman who was told by my doctor that I had an enlarged uterus and she would be monitoring me more closely.  I followed my doctor's advice because I did not want to reach a point that I would need a hysterectomy.  She began conservative treatment for the thickening of my uterus lining for three years and would see me every six months and have a pelvic ultrasound before each visit.  I was given progesterone to begin thinning out my lining but I was never comfortable taking hormones especially with all the alleged side effects.  I began to have heavier periods as time went by and went from a 3-4 day period to a 7-8 day period.  I was fatigued all the time and soon became very anemic and it was becoming harder and harder to get to work on time.  My gynecologist told me that I needed to consider a hysterectomy but neither my mother nor anyone close to me has had a hysterectomy so I was concerned how it was going to affect my personal relationship with my husband of 25 years.  I discussed my concern with my gynecologist and she told me of a new procedure that was less invasive than the usual hysterectomy and I would keep my ovaries (no hormones) and cervix and I figured the least that is removed the better for me.  She recommended Dr. Amy Garcia.
 
I made an appointment with Dr. Garcia and she took the time to explain all the options that I had to treat my condition.  She continued to treat me conservatively by recommending that I use an IUD to reduce my heavy flow.  Unfortunately this did not work and my heavy flow became a flood and I was rushed to the hospital to stop the bleeding.  I knew at that moment that I had to do something before my next cycle.  I made another appointment with Dr. Garcia and she was able to fit me in for surgery within a week and she removed just the top of my uterus and a fibroid tumor through a laparoscopy procedure.  The procedure made several small incisions around my lower stomach that were less than one inch.  I stayed in the hospital overnight and began to recover at a fast pace.  I had told my employer that I would be out recovering at least 4 to 5 weeks.  I was ready to go back to work within two weeks, but decided to take an additional week to keep it safe.  My relationship did not change other than I had more energy.  I would recommend this procedure to those women who are in need of a hysterectomy.  Dr. Garcia's website enabled me to learn about my different options and prepare the questions that I had for her before my appointment.