Hysterectomy Alternative: Acessa

It has long been held that many hysterectomies are performed “unnecessarily” in that other alternatives that are less radical, costly, and risky, may have been appropriate.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has publicly stated that the number of hysterectomies for benign conditions is too high and should be reduced. Many patients desire a hysterectomy, do well, and are happy with their choice. Others may not be aware of alternatives and the pros and cons hysterectomy.

Still others regret having had to have major surgery and have their uterus removed for a benign condition such as fibroids.

Along those lines, the most common indication for hysterectomy during the reproductive years is uterine fibroids.  167,000 hysterectomies for fibroids are performed annually at significant cost, disability, pain, and risk. I created Acessa as a minimally invasive, outpatient alternative to hysterectomy.

Each and every day I consider the fact that roughly 650 patients in the US will undergo a hysterectomy for fibroids when the overwhelming majority could be treated with Acessa, return home the same day, return to work in 4 days, and be symptom free in a few months. And with less risk and significantly less pain.

A number of physicians I have trained feel that Acessa should be first-line therapy and that hysterectomy should be reserved for those who fail less invasive alternatives. Others have already made it their treatment of choice for patients who have fibroids. Time will tell. In the meantime, the number 650 continues to come to mind.