Small solution for big problem Fibroids removed in same-day surgery through tiny incisions
Many women begin experiencing abnormal menstrual bleeding after age 35 and chalk it up to midlife changes. But abnormal bleeding could be a symptom of fibroids, which occur in up to three-quarters of women. “Fibroids are very, very common, but not every woman will have symptoms,” says Mandi Beman, MD, a gynecologist at Porter Adventist Hospital who specializes in surgeries performed through tiny incisions, a technique known as minimally invasive surgery. Symptoms include heavy and possibly irregular periods, pelvic pain, pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, constipation and in some cases, infertility. “The good news is that fibroids are highly treatable,” Beman says. Heavy bleeding caused by small fibroids can sometimes be treated with hormonal medications, such as birth control. However, larger fibroids causing pain and other symptoms may need to be removed surgically or treated with a technique called uterine fibroid embolization. While embolization cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids, it does not remove them. And it may take up to 12 months to see an improvement in symptoms. Minimally invasive surgery, on the other hand, removes the fibroids completely and immediately relieves symptoms. Women usually are able to go home the same day as surgery and return to full activities within two weeks.
Mandi Beman, MD Gynecologist and minimally invasive surgeon There’s one thing you should know about Mandi Beman, MD, a gynecologist at Aracea Women’s Care in the Cherry Creek district — she won’t hold anything back from you. “I’d say that patients who like information and like choices do really well with me,” says Beman, a Minnesota native. Beman specializes in minimally invasive gynecological surgery. For many of her cases, she uses the da Vinci® robot at the Porter Robotics Institute, which allows her to perform complex surgeries, including hysterectomies, with minimally invasive techniques. Beman is one of only 100 physicians nationwide fellowship-trained in minimally invasive gynecological surgery. Specialty: Gynecology Practice: Aracea Women’s Care, 300 S. Jackson Street, Suite 320, Denver (Aracea is operated by the Centura Health Physician Group) Family: Married with one son Training: Medical school at the University of Minnesota; OB/ GYN residency at the University of Michigan; one of only six physicians to have completed a fellowship in minimally invasive gynecological surgery at Harvard Medical School
“Almost all fibroids can be removed through minimally invasive Dr. Mandi Beman surgery,” Beman says. For larger or more complex fibroids, Beman uses the da Vinci® robotic system at Porter Hospital. The robot gives Beman increased To make an appointment with dexterity and precision that is needed when Dr. Beman, call 303-316-6677. removing large fibroids.
Dr. Beman loves to travel, and South America is a favorite destination. If you’re traveling south, Dr. Beman recommends Iguazu Falls in Argentina. “Think Niagara Falls times 200,” she says.
Photo by Michael Richmond
Photo: WATERFALL ©iStockphoto.com/edurivero
“If a woman has been told that she needs traditional surgery through a large incision to remove her fibroids, I encourage her to get a second opinion,” Beman says. “You seek second opinions for your car repairs, so why wouldn’t you for your body?”
porterhospital.org :: Winter 2013
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