Health Sciences North (HSN) in Sudbury has begun performing advanced, laparasopic (minimally invasive) surgery for the treatment of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing severe pain and in some cases fertility problems.
The new surgical procedures were introduced to HSN through a partnership between Sudbury surgeon, Dr. Stephen Morris, and Dr. Abheha Satkunaratnam of St. Michael’s and Women’s College hospitals in Toronto. Dr. Satkunaratnam is one of Canada’s leading gynecologic surgeons.
Currently, such complex cases are being referred to major centres such as Toronto or Ottawa.
“Certainly it will improve access for women who need this type of surgery,” says Dr. Morris.
“We always worry about patients having to travel, so I think it would be a great thing to push the boundaries a bit and offer more complex surgery for women with this type of health problem.”
“Generally in Canada, women’s health – especially benign health – is low on the priority list, in terms of service, and access to innovative procedures and technologies,” adds Dr. Satkunaratnam. “Because HSN is a regional referral centre which serves such a large catchment area, it’s ripe to offer these kinds of advanced procedures.”
The partnership between Dr. Morris and Dr. Satkunaratnam has also introduced advanced new surgical technology to HSN.
With the assistance of Dr. Satkunaratnam, Dr. Morris has been using a new piece of equipment called the JPlasma tool. It delivers a blast of plasma energy in an extremely tight pattern to allow surgeons to remove the fibrous tissue causing endometriosis. With plasma energy, there is less risk of damage to surrounding tissue compared to traditional methods of cauterization, and surgeons have more control.
HSN is only the second centre in the country to use the JPlasma tool for endometriosis surgery.
“Congratulations to Dr. Morris and the entire Surgical Program at HSN for embracing innovation that is improving care and outcomes when it comes to womens’ health,” says David McNeil, HSN’s Vice President of Clinical Programs. “Women in northeastern Ontario shouldn’t have to leave this part of the province to benefit from the latest advances in care, and in this regard HSN’s physicians and health care workers are demonstrating true leadership and initiative.”
