Elliot Hospital is leading the way as the first hospital in New Hampshire to offer an innovative, minimally invasive procedure to treat uterine fibroid with the Sonata® System by Gynesonics. The procedure was first performed by Manchester OB/GYN Associates at Elliot Hospital.
Fibroids are benign growths in or around the uterus, with about 70 percent of white women and more than 80 percent of black women having uterine fibroids before the age of 50. Uterine fibroids may cause significant and debilitating symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding. Symptoms may worsen over time if fibroids are left untreated, which leads to more than two million women in the U.S. undergoing treatment for uterine fibroids each year.
“At The Elliot, we continue to expand our leading-edge medical procedural offerings to meet the needs of our patients. We are pleased to offer an innovative approach to fibroid treatment, which is in great demand,” said Beverly Primeau, Vice President of Surgical and Procedural Services for Elliot Health System.
The Sonata System uses a unique intrauterine ultrasound handpiece to locate and target the individual fibroids. Radiofrequency energy is delivered to shrink the fibroid and reduce symptoms. It can treat a wide range of fibroid types, sizes, and locations. The fibroids are treated from inside the uterus, requiring no incisions to the abdomen, no tissue is surgically removed, and the uterus is preserved.
“It is very exciting for women’s healthcare at Elliot Hospital, to be able to offer this new minimally invasive gynecological procedure. This treatment is incisionless, quick and performed in the outpatient setting. It provides an option to avoid major surgery such as hysterectomy or myomectomy,” said Dr. Jennifer Donofrio of Manchester OB/GYN Associates, who was the first to perform the procedure in New Hampshire.
Patients are experiencing positive outcomes with Sonata. “I am very pleased with outcome of the procedure. Before, I was very uncomfortable, with a great deal of bleeding. I didn’t want to go through an invasive procedure, so this was the right choice for me,” said Bernie McGurren, patient who received Sonata treatment at The Elliot. “I was surprised at how my symptoms were much better soon after the procedure. I would definitely recommend it other women who need this treatment.”
Clinical studies demonstrate that nearly 90 percent of women showed a reduction in menstrual bleeding at three months and 95 percent had a reduction in bleeding at 12 months. Additionally, more than 50 percent of women return to normal activities the next day.