Breakthroughs

SURGICAL SERVICES TEAM PERFORMS FIRST TLH PROCEDURE AT PWHC

SEPTEMBER 08, 2009

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Jeff Mormol, MD, and the surgical services team at Progress West HealthCare Center performed the first total laparoscopic hysterectomy, or TLH, in PWHC’s history July 8. This procedure, which usually involves three, small 1.5-inch incisions — one in the belly button and one on each side of the abdomen — is used to remove the uterus and cervix, and is significantly more advantageous for the patient, Dr. Mormol says.

There is a much faster recovery time when a TLH is performed — usually two weeks instead of the normal six weeks,” Dr. Mormol says. “There is less post-operation pain, less scarring, shorter time in the hospital, and the patient is able to return to work faster. Another advantage of total laparoscopic over supracervical hysterectomy is that with total, the cervix is also removed, so there is no concern for cervical cancer.”

The procedure was completed in 1 hour and 15 minutes, and went extremely smoothly, says Lisa Weindel, PWHC surgical services manager. “This procedure is performed at our sister facilities, but this is the first time it was performed here, and we’re excited about it. We look forward to caring for many more women who choose this minimally invasive way to have a hysterectomy,” Weindel says.

She adds that the advantages to having the procedure performed at PWHC include private rooms for the patient’s overnight stay and the experience of both Dr. Mormol and the surgical team in completing the technically challenging procedure in a smooth, precise manner.

Progress West has excellent, caring and enthusiastic staff,” Dr. Mormol says. “In addition to being very qualified, they also have state-of-the-art equipment and are committed to continually updating their technology as future advancements are made.  This includes not only the surgical equipment itself, but also health information and computer services.” He adds that, because of the hospital’s small size and low patient-to-care-provider ratio, patients are able to get the personalized care they deserve.