New Procedure at Ajax Pickering Hospital a “Game Changer” for Women’s Health in Durham Region

Sara Mehraban was at a loss. Continuously menstruating since August 2020, doctors struggled to pinpoint the problem. As a result, they were unable to provide productive or desirable treatment options. As an otherwise healthy 29 year-old woman, Sara was beginning to feel like there was no hope.

“It was the worst two years of my life,” recalled Sara. “Ultrasound after ultrasound, they couldn’t find anything. My mental health was on the floor. I literally would not get out of bed for days. It was horrible.”

Finally, one of many ultrasounds revealed the culprit, a small uterine fibroid. Uterine fibroids and polyps are non-cancerous growths that occur in the uterus. Fibroids can cause excessive heavy menstrual bleeding, severe cramping, pelvic pressure, and bladder issues. Sometimes, women experiencing these issues can be prescribed a hysterectomy (full removal of the uterus) that may involve a multiple day hospital stay and a two-month recovery.

However, a new procedure now offered at Ajax Pickering Hospital is changing the game in women’s health and offering women better care in the community.

“We’re excited to offer the new MyoSure tissue removal procedure at Ajax Pickering Hospital for women who experience uterine fibroids or polyps,” said Dr. Suha Eltayeb, obstetrician and gynaecologist. “The availability of this minimally-invasive procedure means a quicker recovery time, less complications and a better patient experience for women in Durham Region.”

The MyoSure system works by using a small scope with a camera to enter the uterine cavity, locate the fibroid or polyp, and remove it with a small blade. The tissue is then deposited into a trap, where it can be sent to the lab for assessment.

After two years of bleeding, searching for answers, and dealing with the mental health challenges of a medical mystery, Sara was told her nightmare could be over in under an hour. Her procedure was performed by Dr. Eltayeb in January 2023, and months later, Sara has regained her health physically and mentally.

“It’s been two months since my surgery and I feel great,” beamed Sara. “I didn't have to travel or pay out of-pocket. I just went in, got it done, and got to go home in about an hour.”

Not only is the MyoSure tissue removal system improving the lives of women in the Durham Region, but also it is helping Lakeridge Health ease its surgical backlog, empowering better health for everyone in the community.

“We’re able to see more patients and better serve the growing needs of our community,” noted Heather Lithgow, Director of Surgery at Lakeridge Health.

This cutting edge technology would not have been available without the support of the Ajax community.

“We’re grateful to the generous contributions of our donors, including the Rotary Club of Ajax, for their support.” said Tracy Paterson, CEO of the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation.

The Lakeridge Health Foundation has begun fundraising to bring this technology to Oshawa Hospital to make this game changing technology available to more women in the Durham Region. For more information, please click here.

“It has my stamp of approval,” said Sara. “I'm living proof; it works.”