New Procedure Option Proves Perfect Choice for Alpena Patient
Working mother of two, PCOS patient, vNOTES patient
"My choices were to go elsewhere for a hysterectomy with abdominal incisions or have the vNOTES procedure here with Dr. Conboy. I’m very happy with my decision to stay local for the less-invasive procedure."
A new minimally invasive option for hysterectomy procedures is available at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, known as vNOTES (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery), the advanced gynecologic technique provides many patient benefits, including a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain, no visible scars and a faster recovery time. Sara Dufur, 35-year-old working mom of two, was amazed at the quick recovery and ease of the procedure, and credits Brendan R. Conboy, M.D., and staff for excellent care.
Dufur has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens. Coping with it over the years has taught her to be regular with annual gynecological exams and to listen to her body. When she experienced symptoms beyond irregular periods and swelling associated with PCOS, she scheduled some appointments to find out what was going on.
A collection of abnormal cells were found during a colposcopy exam which Dr. Conboy biopsied but a more in-depth procedure was needed. “Dr. Conboy then performed a cold cone biopsy to check for cervical changes, and it turned out that cancer cells were present,” explained Dufur. “My choices were to go elsewhere for a hysterectomy with abdominal incisions or have the vNOTES procedure here with Dr. Conboy. I’m very happy with my decision to stay local for the less-invasive procedure.”
The vNOTES procedure uses the vagina as the route to access the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries rather than making incisions into the abdomen. The abdomen is inflated with gas so there is space to maneuver a high-definition camera and specialized instruments through an access point called GelPOINT®. It provides the best possible precision and visualization. Dr. Conboy has been specially trained on the vNOTES approach to hysterectomy.
“Sara was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I believed she was a good candidate for this procedure as I didn’t suspect she would have excessive intraabdominal scar tissue and, as a busy mom, we wanted to keep her post-operative pain to a minimum,” said Dr. Conboy.
In fact, Dufur was back at work within a week of her procedure. “I have had my gall bladder removed, and this surgery was a much easier recovery,” she shared. “I had some cramping for a couple of days, but it got better and better. It was also easier because there was no incision to worry about or care for afterward.”
Dufur will have annual pap smears to monitor her condition. She commented that Dr. Conboy and everyone at the MyMichigan Obstetrics & Gynecology office in Alpena were welcoming, kind and knowledgeable. “I am so happy to have been proactive when things didn’t feel right. And, having access to specially trained doctors like Dr. Conboy where I live is amazing. Overall, it’s been a really good experience.”
About Dr. Conboy
Brendan R. Conboy, M.D., is a Gynecologist at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. He sees patients in Alpena and Oscoda and performs surgeries at the Medical Center in Alpena. Dr. Conboy has been specially trained on the vNOTES approach to hysterectomy and other common gynecologic procedures. Those who would like to inquire about becoming a patient may call (989) 356-5228.
To learn more about the vNOTES procedure, visit www.vnotes.com.
