U N D E R T H E M I C R O S C O P E

FOUNDER AND CEO OF USA CLINICS GROUP

Dr Yan Katsnelson , Founder and CEO of USA Clinics Group , a parent company for several healthcare centres including USA Fibroid Centres , sheds light on the alarming prevalence of hysterectomies in the US . Uterine fibroids , affecting 26 million American women , are the leading cause behind the overprescription and overperformance of hysterectomies , particularly among women of colour . This trend highlights the urgent need for alternative approaches and a more thoughtful approach to women ' s healthcare . Katsnelson tells us more .

Why have hysterectomies become such a common procedure in the US ?

The hysterectomy is one of the most major self-inflicted disasters in our healthcare system . It has become the most frequently non-pregnancy-related major surgery performed on women because it ’ s faster and easier . Many physicians consider it a quick fix – and one in three women undergo a hysterectomy by age 60 . We are witnessing around 600,000 hysterectomies are done every year .

Uterine fibroids , a common benign tumour that grows in the muscle of the uterus , affect 26 million American women and are the leading cause of hysterectomies being overperformed and over-prescribed , especially for women of colour .

You have previously stated that the majority of these hysterectomies never have to happen , why is this the case and does this failure rest in technology or human error ?

Hysterectomies , the removal of the uterus for a benign condition , does not and should not have to happen . The reason hysterectomies are performed is women needing fibroid treatment are not aware of seldom offered less drastic , nonsurgical treatments , such as uterine fibroid embolisation ( UFE ).

Every gynaecologist learns how to perform a hysterectomy in residency training and there is a high comfort level in offering this treatment . Since hysterectomies are the main treatment that gynaecologists perform , there is some resistance to providing patient referrals to other specialties , such as interventional radiologists that offer a non-surgical and less invasive fibroid treatment option .

What are the implications of unnecessary surgeries ?

There is an unnecessary risk to life that comes with surgery . Surgical risks also include a longer recovery time and addiction to drugs such as opioid pain relievers .

Unnecessary surgeries such as hysterectomies can lead to vaginal prolapse , regardless of the reason for the hysterectomy .

Hysterectomy is the permanent removal of one ’ s reproductive organ , which plays a critical role in menstruation , fertility and pregnancy . Another implication is the cost . Hysterectomies are the most common nonobstetric surgical procedure for women in the U . S . and account for more than $ 5 billion in healthcare spending .

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