Leading the way in innovation and technology – new gynaecology procedure trialled in Hartlepool

Hartlepool has been leading the way in gynaecology care – becoming the first centre in the North East to trial a new procedure on patients recently.

The procedure, known as Sonata, is radio frequency ablation of benign fibroids which was carried out in the day case operating theatres at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

This is an innovative procedure for treating women with heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids, avoiding the need for major surgery like hysterectomy and myomectomy.  An international team made up of members from USA, Holland and Germany came to the University Hospital of Hartlepool to support the team to carry out the procedure.  They were impressed by our performance and patients did really well following the procedure.  All patients went home within a few hours of the procedure.

Surgeons Mr Somen Roy and Dr Dolon Basu were instrumental in bringing this new procedure to the Trust – operating on the patients and being very satisfied with the outcome.

Dr Basu said: “I feel privileged to work in a forward thinking Trust, where innovation and improved patient care is at the heart of our service.  I feel patients will benefit greatly from this procedure, as it avoids inpatient hospital stay and suits modern day lifestyle as woman can return to normal activity from the next day.”

Mr Roy added: “This is a great way forward during the pandemic to cut down waiting list times for major surgery.

“Patients are also less anxious to come into hospital for a day procedure, rather than inpatients admission for major surgery.”

They are both keen to expand this service and encourage referrals from other units so that the women of the North East  benefit from this procedure.