
A New Option for Hysterectomies by Bruce Andison, MD, gynecology, The Women's Clinic of Vancouver
Your doctor has recommended a hysterectomy. You may be thinking, "I'm so grateful I won't have periods any more." Or, "I'm worried about losing an essential part of being female."
Whatever you are feeling, chances are that if you and your doctor are considering a hysterectomy, it’s because it is medically recommended. Thankfully, with Southwest’s advanced technology and physician expertise, minimally invasive hysterectomies are an alternative to the more traditional total abdominal hysterectomy. Learn more
The Lighter Side of Surgery by Jay Jan, MD, weight loss surgery, Pacific Surgical Specialists
Traditionally, weight-loss surgery required open surgery, which involved large incisions down the middle of the abdomen. Now, with minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery, the procedure is performed through a few small incisions in the abdominal wall. And, with one-third of American adults obese, and many of them experiencing multiple obesity-related medical conditions, weight-loss (bariatric) surgery has become an option for many people. Learn more
Less Operation May Get You Home Sooner
Restoring Confidence with Microsurgery by Douglas Masson, MD, urology, The Urology Clinic of Southwest Washington
Stress urinary incontinence occurs when increased pressure on the bladder is caused by day-to-day activities such as coughing, sneezing, bending or exercising. One in five women older than 70 has incontinence daily. Although incontinence is more common in women, it may also occur in men.
Surgery helps rebuild the urinary system’s architecture to help restore normal bladder function. Surgical treatment is done to lift and support the connection between the bladder and the urethra. Learn more
Urinary Incontinence. Options for Relief.
Handling Prostate Surgery with Precision
April 2009 Featured Events
Always Gotta Go? FREE - Monday, April 20 l 6:30 pm l Southwest’s Health Education Center
Join Douglas Masson, MD, Mark Walterskirchen, MD and Denise Kramer-Levien, CURN from the Urology Clinic of Southwest Washington to learn about the different types of urinary incontinence and the latest treatments including minimally invasive procedures. Call 1.800.466.5595 to register for this class.
Weight Loss DVD and orientation sessions See how minimally invasive weight-loss surgery can help you get your life back. Request your free, five-minute DVD at www.YourTimeToLose.org. Or for a list of our weight loss surgery orientation sessions visit www.swEvents.org (keyword: weight loss surgery)
Interested in other events, support groups? Find them all at www.swEvents.org.
Got a symptom and want to find answers? Check out our Symptom Navigator.
Women's Health: Live without painful and embarrassing GYN problems
Bone health: Is joint replacement right for you?
Spine surgery: Minimally invasive means big benefits for patients
Heart care: New technique for treating irregular heart beats
Vascular care: PAD treatment is real gem

Vascular care: Breakthrough device for AAAs saves lives
Brain cancer: A patient's inspirational story of hope


