About ELEVEST^® - Uterine Prolapse Repair Without Hysterectomy

Uterine prolapse is a major health concern for women. Approximately 11% of all women will undergo some type of surgical procedure during their lifetime to correct or repair prolapsed pelvic organs. ¹ Uterine prolapse is also a frequent cause for hysterectomy in the U.S., accounting for 548,657 procedures from 1988-1993. ² However, treatment options for women have been limited.

The ELEVEST procedure is a new minimally interventional technique for uterine prolapse repair. The technique strengthens the uterosacral ligaments to support the uterus in the pelvis, and shortens the round ligaments to restore the uterus to its correct anatomic position. The ELEVEST procedure does not require meshes or other implantable devices and applies conventional laparoscopic technique to uterine prolapse repair.

Both the uterosacral and round ligaments are invested with permanent suture material in which the ELEVEST^® procedure kit facilitates the technique. The ligaments are then shortened and secured in the proper position with extracorporeal suturing. Click on this link to view the procedure.

Clinical experience demonstrates that the technique is a simple, and minimally interventional alternative to hysterectomy for women with uterine prolapse.

The Trend Toward Hysterectomy Alternatives in Women's Health Care

The large numbers of hysterectomies done for fibroids, uterine prolapse, menorrhagia, and other conditions that can be symptomatic but are benign has increased interest in new approaches to treat these gynecologic disorders. These new procedures are less invasive and offer reduced risk and faster recovery.

As these hysterectomy alternatives become known to the public, a growing number of women are declining hysterectomy. The trend of increasing patient involvement in health care decision-making, also favors physicians offering a range of treatment options.

Although hysterectomy has been a time-honored treatment for uterine prolapse, gynecologists who fail to offer hysterectomy alternatives may be bypassed by women looking for additional options to resolve their problems.

Give Your Patients the Option of ELEVEST

If you are interested in providing ELEVEST to your patients seeking treatment for uterine prolapse without hysterectomy contact .

References

1. Olson AL, Smith VJ, Bergstrom JO, Colling JC et al. Epidemiology of Surgically Managed Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence. Obstetric Gynecology 1997; 89: 501-506.
   
   
2. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Special Focus: Surveillance for Reproductive Health 1997; 46(Suppl. 4): 1-47.