"Alternatives to Hysterectomy" Video Honored

Prize awarded for advanced surgical technique that could prevent hundreds of thousands of hysterectomies each year.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 6, 2009 -- A medical video demonstrating the minimally invasive technique of laparoscopic multiple myomectomy was awarded First Prize by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) at their 2009 Film Festival yesterday. ACOG presented the award to the Chicago-based surgeons who authored the video, Drs. Jonathan Song, Carlos Rotman, and Edgardo Yordan.

Of the 600,000 hysterectomies that take place each year in the United States, more than 200,000 could be avoided according to Dr. Rotman. "These hysterectomies are performed due to the presence of benign tumors known as fibroids. While small fibroids are commonly removed through traditional or laparoscopic surgery, removal of larger ones is more difficult and requires special expertise. Over the last 25 years, our team has developed new techniques and instruments that allow us to remove multiple large fibroids while preserving the uterus and often preserving fertility as well."

Known as laparoscopic myomectomy, this minimally invasive surgical procedure avoids large scars and overnight hospitalization by utilizing small, specially-designed instruments inserted through tiny (¼-inch) incisions. The use of sophisticated digital video equipment allows clear visualization throughout the case.

The authors are members of the Oak Brook Institute of Endoscopy, which introduced a key innovation known as the "SLAM" Technique. SLAM stands for Simplified Laparoscopic Abdominal Morcellation, and involves the use of a straight blade to cut large specimens safely into long strips, which are then quickly and easily removed.

The prize-winning video demonstrates the team's technique in the case of a childless patient who had been told repeatedly at several institutions that hysterectomy was her only option. Refusing to give up on having children, she finally contacted Dr. Rotman and his associates, who found her to be a good candidate for conservative surgery. They removed several large fibroids - the largest measuring almost 9 inches - and successfully reconstructed her uterus. The patient later was able to give birth normally and is presently in her second pregnancy.

According to Dr. Song, "too many hysterectomies are being performed in the United States for benign diseases; the uterus does not need to be easily sacrificed for fibroids."

Dr. Rotman concluded, "The purpose of this video presentation was to share our team's techniques and philosophy with all other physicians, with the hope that these procedures become more widespread and patients everywhere will be given alternatives to hysterectomy."

Patients interested in contacting the authors can call (800) 244-0212 for Drs. Rotman and Yordan, and (630) 513-9160 for Dr. Song. Drs. Rotman and Yordan are Associate Professors of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Rush Medical College, and Dr. Song is an Assistant Professor of Ob/Gyne there. All three are on staff at Chicago's Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center; in addition, Dr. Song is on staff at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, Illinois.

About the Authors:

Jonathan Y. Song, MD, FACOG, FACS
A member of the medical staff at Delnor Community Hospital, Dr. Song's practice is limited to Gynecology and Surgery. He is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ABOG) and certified in Advanced Operative Laparoscopy by the Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ACGE). Dr. Song is an Assistant Professor at Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is also a faculty member for WebSurg and SurgeryU, on-line sites for Minimally Invasive Surgical Education for physicians. After graduating from Rush's residency program, Dr. Song was awarded a fellowship position in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery at the Oak Brook Institute of Endoscopy under the direction of Dr. Carlos Rotman. Upon completion of his fellowship, Dr. Song entered private practice and works for TLC Medical Group, along with Drs. Gina Song and Joy Castrovillari in St. Charles, IL. Dr. Song continues his association with the Oak Brook Institute of Endoscopy, and in his spare time continues to contribute to surgical textbook chapters, medical journals, and clinical meeting presentations.

Carlos A. Rotman, MD, FACOG, FACS
Founder and Director of the Oak Brook Institute of Endoscopy, Dr. Rotman is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology by ABOG and certified in Advanced Operative Laparoscopy by ACGE. An Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Rush Medical College, Dr. Rotman's interest in laparoscopy dates back to his gynecology residency days in the 1970s. In 1980, together with Dr. Harrith Hasson, he started to use laparoscopy as a safe and effective way to perform pelvic and abdominal surgery. The first project was to improve access to the peritoneal cavity with a minimum of possible complications, and the result was the Modified Technique of Open Laparoscopy, now in use all over the world. Recognized in 1994 with the Golden Laparoscope Award by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists for the technique of Laparoscopic Pelvic Lymphadenectomy, as well as with many other national and international awards, Dr. Rotman and his colleagues have enjoyed great recognition and respect for their pioneering and ongoing work, teaching, and research geared to improving the quality of life of patients worldwide.

Edgardo Yordan, MD, FACOG, FACS
Board-certified in both Obstetrics & Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology by ABOG, Dr. Yordan serves as Chairman of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Stroger (Cook County) Hospital, and is an Associate Professor of Ob/Gyn at Rush Medical College. Dr. Yordan was nationally ranked twice by Good Housekeeping Magazine as one of the "Best 400 Cancer Doctors in the USA" and as one of the "Best Doctors for Women," and was named one of "Chicago's Top Doctors" by Chicago Magazine. During his long association with Dr. Rotman and the Oak Brook Institute of Endoscopy, for which he serves as Co-Director, Dr. Yordan has won the Golden Laparoscope Award and numerous national and international prizes.

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