OSF HealthCare announced on Apr. 22 that women experiencing chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or other gynecologic issues may benefit from advanced minimally invasive surgical options available through its network.
The availability of these procedures is important as they can improve quality of life for many women who face conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic organ prolapse. OSF HealthCare contributes to community well-being by offering health guidance and expert insights on diseases and preventive care through its newsroom, according to the official website.
Rafael Marquez, MD, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon with OSF HealthCare and assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP), said he performs a range of procedures designed to help patients recover quickly. “Some of the procedures I perform at OSF include minimally invasive hysterectomies, excision of endometriosis, ovarian cystectomies, operative hysteroscopy as well as repair of pelvic organ prolapse,” Marquez said. He explained that minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions: “What that means for patients is they can expect to go home on the same day as their surgery. Benefits…include improved post-operative pain, faster return to normal activities and normal recovery times.”
Marquez also described how common these conditions are among women: “Endometriosis affects about 10% of reproductive-aged women. Uterine fibroids are very common. By menopause, you can expect about 70-80% of women will have been diagnosed with a uterine fibroid,” he said. While not all cases present symptoms—only 30-50% do—these issues can significantly impact daily life.
The health system encompasses a network of 17 hospitals along with urgent-care locations and clinics across Illinois and Michigan according to the official website. It provides various services including emergency care, cancer treatment, heart services and digital health options through OSF OnCall according to the official website.
As part of ongoing care at OSF HealthCare—which functions as an integrated nonprofit health system managing facilities under a unified ministry dedicated to community service according to the official website—patients may also be offered pelvic floor therapy or other comprehensive treatments for gynecologic conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding or urinary incontinence.
Looking ahead, Marquez encouraged open communication between patients and their OB/GYNs regarding persistent symptoms: “These are things your OB/GYN should be in constant communication and evaluation on to discuss if something like endometriosis or uterine fibroids are going on.”
OSF HealthCare aims to provide compassionate care through clinical innovation while extending support across both urban and rural areas in Illinois and Michigan according to the official website.
