Robotic-assisted Gynecologic Surgical Promises Better Results
Posted by Milo Houghton in Health News on Aug 6th, 2013Minimally invasive techniques have all the difference in performing hysterectomies and other gynecological procedures. There are still some difficulties,though, that encountered by surgeons, medical health experts say. The Da Vinci Surgical System also uses the same idea and technology used in laparoscopic surgery, according to the Da Vinci Surgery website, but is more precise, dexterous and offers better vision. Thus, with all the advances in the field of surgery, one might think that robotic-assisted gynecological operations will create better results when compared to open and traditional laparoscopic procedures. Hospitals may offer open, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted hysterectomy and patients are free to discuss whichever procedure they are comfortable with together with her surgeon.
The long incisions that used to dominate hysterectomies may now be avoided because of robotic assistants. The surgical removal of the uterus and other components is often indicated when there are fibroids, endometriosis and adenomyosis, cervical and uterine cancer, and abnormal excessive bleeding. Open abdominal hysterectomy may require the woman to stay in the hospital between three to five days while laparoscopic hysterectomy only requires the patient an overnight stay in the hospital. A two-month recovery time ma y be expected when undergoing an open adnominal hysterectomy whereas minimally invasive hysterectomy may allow women to go back to their work within two to four weeks post-operation.
On the other hand, robotically-assisted hysterectomy may be similar to that of the laparoscopic procedure in terms of recovery time. The difference is the efficacy on how the surgeon performs the operation. The three-dimensional view offered by the camera in the robotic system allows the surgeon to see much better than when using the two-dimensional camera in traditional laparoscopic procedure. Complicated hysterectomies that are not easily performed using the traditional approach in laparoscopic surgery may now be easier for surgeons.
However, there are several Da Vinci lawsuits that were filed after patients underwent surgery using the robotic assistant. The Food and Drug Administration keeps a close watch of all the operations performed using the robotic surgical system to pinpoint where the problem lies. Patients may ask their surgeon for all available options before deciding regarding their surgery.
Januvia Quartely Sales Report Drops by Two Percent
Posted by Milo Houghton in Health News on Jun 20th, 2013Issues are stirring amongst investors after the release of Merck’s quarterly sales report, in which revenue of its best-selling diabetes drug Januvia dropped by 2 percent, writer max Chatsko says. Investors are now seeing a couple of red flags regarding the company’s franchise for treating type 2 diabetes, specifically Januvia and Janumet, according to the Motley Fool website. Januvia is one of Merck’s successful diabetes drugs that brought the company billions of sales profit since 2011 through 2012.
Although the slide of 2 percent may seem not much to be worried about, Januvia ended a growth of 18 percent in 2012, showing a double growth almost every quarter. However, writer Chatsko explained that the data was out very early, thus the results are still inconclusive and unpredictable. He added that Merck should be watchful for Januvia’s so called “red flags”, biggest contributing factors for its downfall.
Overall, problems of Januvia causing pancreatitis that were resulting to Januvia lawsuits along with a couple of newly approved FDA diabetes medications from other competitors are probable reasons of its drop in sales percentage. (more…)
Metallosis May Endanger Artificial Hip Implant Recipients
Posted by Milo Houghton in Health News on Jan 18th, 2013What usually alarms the recipients of defective hip implants is the development of metallosis, which is commonly known as metal poisoning, medical experts say. Unfortunately, this complication from metal-on-metal devices has been associated with DePuy Orthopaedic, a business unit of Johnson and Johnson.In fact, metallosis is mentioned prominently in the present batch of 8,000 lawsuits filed against the company. There are compensatory damage claims that were being filed amid allegations of metallosis and the risks it bring to the men and women who have them.
Metallosis is a form of metal poisoning triggered by the increase of number of tiny metal particles being shred off artificial hip devices. Because these metallic shards slip into the blood stream, it has become a common side effect of some metal-on-metal hip implants which wear down in the body and leave behind metal shavings.
The indications that one is suffering from metallosis include pain and inflammation within the affected area, rash or redness and difficulty of movement.
Some medical expert says that the accumulated metal particles in the body may also cause cancer, and cardiac or neurological disorder. To know more about related cases, check the DePuy Recall News Center at www.depuyhiprecallnewscenter.com
DePuy Hip Recall Video
A Quick Rundown of Well-Known Bladder Sling Recalls in the US
Posted by Milo Houghton in Health News on Jan 14th, 2013Vaginal and bladder mesh devices have been marketed with significant benefits to women suffering from severe cases of POP and SUI, medical experts say. However, an increasing number of patients, whose lives have been greatly affected by complications from the use of these implants, have been reportedly seeking the assistance of a bladder sling recall attorney in their legal course.
It did not take long until 1999 that the first major device maker of surgical meshes reached the decision pulling their products off the market because of safety concerns linked to their device. Boston Scientific, the creator of Protegen Vaginal Sling reportedly removed the product from the market in 1999, and recalled their Pinnacle Pelvic Floor Repair Kit in 2011, due to high failure rates and mechanical reasons, respectively.
Sales of ObTape, a vaginal sling which was released into the market in 2003 by Mentor Corporation, was also reportedly discontinued in 2006. Ethicon, a J&J’s unit, has also expressed their decision to end sales of their Prolift, Prolift+ M, TVT Secur and Prosima vaginal meshes, which is anticipated to fully halt at the first quarter of 2013.
Bladder Sling Recall Video
