In the realm of gynecological surgery, advancements in technology continue to enhance the safety and efficacy of procedures. One notable development is the utilization of the LigaSure Generator for the removal of fallopian tubes during c-section deliveries or for postpartum sterilization immediately after vaginal delivery. Historically, surgical sterilization has been a bilateral partial salpingectomy or tubal ligation, which means that only a portion of the fallopian tube is removed. This technology allows the surgeon to remove both fallopian tubes safely and completely by sealing tissues and preventing excessive bleeding. Full removal of the fallopian tubes, or total bilateral salpingectomy, reduces a patient’s risk of ovarian cancer by approximately 65% and provides improved contraceptive rates compared to historic tubal ligations. This innovative technology is now in use at UPMC Northwest thanks to two new OBGYNs and the Northwest Hospital Foundation.
Emily Carbaugh, MD and Kristin Romutis, MD joined the UPMC Northwest medical staff last September. They both completed their medical residency at UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh and specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. Drs. Carbaugh and Romutis deliver babies and perform surgeries at UPMC Northwest and see patients at their physician offices in Clarion and Franklin.
In their residencies, the doctors trained and practiced in using the LigaSure Generator to perform postpartum bilateral salpingectomies for sterilization. With the Northwest Hospital Foundation’s donation of this device for the Family Birthing Center, Drs. Carbaugh and Romutis can apply the state-of-the-art skills they learned in residency to treating patients here in Venango County.
“It allows us to perform two procedures in one, the delivery and the bilateral salpingectomy, so it reduces risk of complications and prevents the patient from needing to have a second surgery,” said Dr. Carbaugh. “This technology allows us to be at the forefront of providing this service.”
Dr. Romutis added, “Patients are getting preferred care every time because we have a safe device to do it. We are very grateful to the Foundation for equipping us to provide the best possible care for women and families.”
For more information about the Northwest Hospital Foundation, please visit NorthwestHospitalFoundation.org or contact Theresa Edder, Executive Director by calling 814-676-7145 or emailing edderta2@upmc.edu.