Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Offering a groundbreaking transvaginal procedure for hysterectomy and other conditions
Bayfront Health is proud to announce the Grand Opening of their Punta Gorda obstetrics and gynecology practice. This is the only women’s health office in the area, with physicians that are highly respected in their field.
Billie Zody, MD, is a recent member of the OBGYN medical team. She looks forward to providing women the surgical care they need in the Punta Gorda community.
“All of our physicians are minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons, so the community can feel comfortable they are receiving top tier care,” says Dr. Zody.
We caught up with Dr. D’Abarno to find out more about vNotes.
Q: What advantages does the vNote procedure offer for patients needing a hysterectomy?
A: “Traditionally, patients needing a hysterectomy had two choices: vaginal surgery or abdominal surgery with an open abdominal incision. Over the last few decades, minimally invasive techniques have been developed for hysterectomies including laparoscopic and robotic (DaVinci) assisted procedures. However, these techniques still involve 1-5 abdominal incisions, although smaller as well as a vaginal incision. The vNOTES (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) approach, allows patients who would otherwise not be candidates for vaginal surgery to have that surgery safely and with only a single vaginal incision. This results in less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery.
“Patients who historically would not be able to have a vaginal procedure due to morbid obesity, large uterus, fibroids, lack of uterine prolapse, large ovarian or tubal lesion, or scar tissue from a prior surgery for example, can safely have a vNOTES hysterectomy (VANH or vaginal assisted NOTES hysterectomy) on an outpatient basis. Because the procedure is initiated from an open vaginal incision, the pelvis and upper abdomen can be clearly seen, allowing instruments to be positioned safely, which greatly reduces the risk for surgical injuries to important abdominal structures. This is particularly important for patients with complex past surgical histories. In addition, because the uterine blood supply is secured earlier in the vNOTES procedure compared with the other approaches, very little blood loss can be achieved. Ureteral injuries (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder) are much less likely with the vNOTES approach compared with laparoscopic or robotic approaches due to improved and direct visualization of the ureters from the vNOTES perspective. While not all patients considering a hysterectomy will be appropriate candidates for vNOTES VANH or alternative minimally invasive techniques, patients should discuss the option for a vNOTES VANH with their providers as a safer alternative to these traditional approaches. We are happy to be able to provide this amazing new approach to our patients here in Southwest Florida.
Q: Are there any other treatments that vNote is used for on or off-label?
A: “Because of just a small posterior (back wall) vaginal incision, the vNotes technique can be used to treat a variety of other gynecologic conditions that would otherwise require an abdominal incision or a minimally invasive abdominal approach. vNotes can be used to perform sterilization procedures, remove ovarian cysts, tubal lesions, remove ovaries and treat ectopic pregnancies.
Bayfront Women’s Health
At Bayfront Health Punta Gorda, the staff understands that women have unique health concerns – that’s why they offer a women’s health program with services to address the needs of women of all ages. From preventive education and screenings to maternity care, they provide a range of services to support women’s optimal health and wellness.
Bayfront Women’s Health Services
. Obstetrics
. Bone Health
. Breast Care
. Gynecology
. Urogynecology
. Women’s Wellness
Jennifer D’Abarno, M.D.
Dr. D’Abarno is an accomplished, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who has been in practice for almost 30 years and speaks both English and limited Brazilian Portuguese. Whether starting a family or preparing for a healthy menopause, she is committed to being a health care partner through all stages of a woman’s life.
Dr. D’Abarno received her undergraduate degree from Duke University in North Carolina, medical degree from University of Pittsburgh and completed an internship and residency program at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA.
Stephanie Finley, D.O.
Stephanie Finley, D.O., is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She specializes in a wide range of women’s health services, including laparoscopic, minimally invasive, and conservative non-surgical options. She is dedicated to the unique needs of women of all ages, including adolescents.
Dr. Finley received her medical degree from A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO, and completed residencies in obstetrics and gynecology at Lehigh Valley Health Network and Crozer Keystone Health Network, both in Pennsylvania.
Billie Zody, M.D.
Dr. Billie Zody is an Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist. She graduated with honors from Indiana University School Of Medicine in 1999. Dr. Zody has more than 22 years of experience. Her philosophy in medical care is to be involved and attentive to her patients’ needs and concerns. One of Dr. Zody’s many strengths has always been her in-depth involvement of the patient in each step of this process including treatment options. She has completed a laparoscopic fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and offers full obstetric and gynecologic services and procedures.
Contact Bayfront Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology Practice in Punta Gorda to schedule your appointment. Please call 941-766-0400.
To find out more, please visit our website at bayfrontcharlotte.com.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
713 E Marion Ave.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
