New surgery for hysterectomy patients in Rock Hill

By Trent Faris - bio l email

ROCK HILL, SC (WBTV) The decision to have a hysterectomy is painful for any woman.  After the surgery, many patients suffer with physical and psychological effects.  Pain, swelling and depression are common.  Now, a new type of surgery is offering hope to hysterectomy patients in our area.

Fifteen years ago a hystorectomy was very invasive surgery opening up a patients abdomen. Later came laparoscopic surgery where doctors typically made three to five incisions.

Now there's a device called the Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery or SILS.  The blue device that resembles a very small tire rim with 3 separate holes  used through a scar we all have, the belly button.

"We can do the whole hysterectomy which before January was typically unheard of." said Doctor Craig McClelland of Rock Hill OB-GYN.

He says the procedure is done through small incision in the belly button, using video cameras and instruments to remove the uterus.

"And just deliver the uterus vaginal kind of like delivering a baby," said Dr. McClelland.

Doctor Craig McClelland of Rock Hill OB-GYN is the first to offer this type of surgery in Rock Hill and in the Charlotte area because of the multiple benefits is gives to his patients.

"There's less pain, less risk of infection, hernia formation, and the recovery is a whole lot quicker," said Dr. McClelland.

Leaving only one scar instead of three to five and that's what he says his patients like the best.

"Oh they love it!, said Dr, McClelland, "Would you rather get stabbed three times or once."

So far Doctor McClelland is seeing amazing results in recovery for his patients.

"Patients are up out of bed that day and they're usually home the next morning. I've had people go back to work with in the same week," said Dr. McClelland.

Angela Hogan was one of Dr. McClelland's first SILS patients and says after a month you can't tell she had surgery.

"You can't see it unless you're looking for it and if you did see something you really don't know what it is, it's that small," said Hogan.

Doctor McClelland is the third doctor to offer this procedure in the Carolinas. Hospitals in Winston Salem and Columbia also offer SILS to Hysterectomy patients.