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HSC Foundation Donors Fund Improvements for Women’s Health

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/03/2024 (591 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HSC gynecologist Dr. Margaret Burnett recently treated a patient who was seven weeks pregnant and had experienced some worrisome spotting. An emergency ultrasound showed that she had a tubal pregnancy, meaning that the fertilized egg implanted itself in one of her fallopian tubes instead of the womb.

“Her tubal pregnancy could have burst and caused life-threatening internal bleeding,” says Dr. Burnett.

Without this upgraded equipment, we likely would have had to perform an open surgery which would have meant a longer hospital stay, more post-operative pain, more blood loss, and a higher risk of complications. – Dr. Margaret Burnett

Fortunately, HSC’s new, donor-funded laparoscopic equipment was up and running. Dr. Burnett performed a minimally invasive procedure that saved the patient’s life. Laparoscopic surgery requires only small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon inserts a camera and views her work on a high-definition monitor.

“The patient went home the next day to recover and cope with the loss of her pregnancy in the company of loved ones,” says Dr. Burnett. “Without this upgraded equipment, we likely would have had to perform an open surgery which would have meant a longer hospital stay, more post-operative pain, more blood loss, and a higher risk of complications.”

A Health Sciences Centre Foundation campaign, led by Board member Katie Hall Hursh, raised over $100,000 to upgrade surgical equipment in the main hospital as well as HSC Women’s Hospital. The equipment is mainly being used to treat patients with tubal and other ectopic pregnancies, and also patients with endometriosis, ovarian torsion, and other gynecological conditions.

“This designated, modern equipment contributes to timely discharge and eases recovery. This is so important when dealing with the grief of pregnancy loss,” said Dr. Burnett. “We’re grateful to HSC Foundation donors for helping us offer better, safer care.”