Fibroids are very common in women of childbearing age. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 2 million women undergo treatment for uterine fibroids.
Until recently, the most common surgical solution was a hysterectomy, which is a significant surgical procedure that removes the entire uterus.
Holland Hospital is leading the way as the first hospital in West Michigan to
offer new hope to
women facing debilitating symptoms caused by uterine fibroids. The hospital recently began utilizing the Sonata System by Gynesonics, offering women an incision-free treatment that addresses fibroids in a single outpatient procedure.
No tissue is cut
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that appear in or around the uterus and can range in size from an apple seed to a grapefruit. Fibroids may cause uncomfortable symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pressure or swelling in the abdomen, painful periods, frequent urination, constipation, infertility, and pain during intercourse.
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Dr. Kristyn Oswald
The new outpatient procedure uses a miniature ultrasound probe accessed through the cervix and into the uterus. Once the fibroid is located, radiofrequency is applied directly, ablating the fibroid without damaging the surrounding tissue. Since no tissue is cut or surgically removed, the uterus is preserved, maintaining the possibility of pregnancy for patients.
“The Sonata procedure allows women to receive treatment for fibroids without needing a hysterectomy or a myomectomy (surgical removal of the fibroids), both of which have longer recovery times that affect the life of patients,” says Dr. Kristyn Oswald, obstetrics and gynecology. “In most cases, Sonata allows patients to go home the same day without causing a major disruption to their daily lives.”
Shorter recovery time
Recovery time is generally shorter compared to traditional surgery, and most women can resume their normal activities within a few days. The Sonata treatment addresses the growing preference of doctors and female patients seeking less-invasive procedures that preserve the uterus and minimize treatment recovery time. Oswald suggests that women struggling with fibroids speak with their doctor to see if they are a candidate for the procedure.
Holland Hospital is recognized as a leader in surgical excellence, receiving honors including Healthgrades’ #1 in Michigan and America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Care 2022, 2023; and Top 5% in the Nation for Outstanding Patient Experience 15 years in a row.
The independent hospital offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services, multiple convenient locations, and ready access to primary care physicians and experienced specialists.
The hospital is also among just 14% of hospitals in the nation to earn the top Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 5-Star rating and one of the few to consistently achieve the top rating since it was introduced in 2008. Holland Hospital’s workplace culture has made it one of the Best & Brightest Companies to Work For in West Michigan for 21 consecutive years. For over a century, the hospital’s mission has been to continually improve the health of the communities we serve in the spirit of hope, compassion, respect, and dignity.
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