“We have an opportunity to elevate the standard of care for our patients, and it’s one we cannot miss.”
HSC Women’s Hospital is looking to acquire an operative cystoscope to help treat patients dealing with high-risk complications of pregnancy, such as placenta accreta, an abnormal attachment of the placenta to the uterine wall.
Thirty-four-year-old Maria Santos* is in her third trimester with her third child when a routine ultrasound reveals signs of placenta accreta—an abnormal attachment of the placenta to the uterine wall. This condition poses serious risks, including severe bleeding and the potential need for a hysterectomy.
Filled with anxiety, Santos arrives at Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Women’s Hospital, where her medical team prepares for a cesarean delivery. They inform her that she will need to be closely monitored and may require blood transfusions.
Dr. Margaret Burnett, Head of Gynecology at HSC, explains that if HSC Women’s Hospital could acquire an advanced surgical tool called a cystoscope, Santos’s medical team would be better equipped to evaluate and visualize her condition before and during surgery.
“We need this detailed imaging to safely navigate critical surgery and control life-threatening bleeding,” she explains.
With access to a cystoscope, the surgical team would gain enhanced visibility of the bladder’s proximity to the placenta, significantly reducing the risk of damaging surrounding organs and causing further complications. This advanced equipment could lead to faster, safer surgeries with fewer blood transfusions needed.
Dr. Burnett also highlights that the cystoscope could aid in treating women with endometriosis, a common, chronic disease where tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and potential infertility.
An Operative Cystoscopy is an advanced surgical tool that increases a surgeon’s ability to visualize vascular involvement. This equipment will help treat patients with endometriosis and complications related to high-risk pregnancies. Photo sourced from Stryker.
On Giving Tuesday, the annual global day of giving following Black Friday, the HSC Foundation is committed to raising funds to acquire three essential pieces of equipment for HSC Women’s Hospital: a specialized colposcope to help prevent and treat cancer; a micromanipulator to perform delicate procedures; and an operative cystoscope to treat patients with endometriosis and complications related to high-risk pregnancies.
“This equipment is not just about technology; it’s about saving lives and transforming care,” adds Dr. Burnett. “We have an opportunity to elevate the standard of care for our patients, and it’s one we cannot miss.”
On Dec. 3, Giving Tuesday, please support the HSC Foundation to help the many Manitobans who rely on the care of HSC Women’s Hospital. This year, your gift will have triple the impact up to $25,000! All online or called-in Giving Tuesday donations will be matched by an anonymous donor, up to $20,000. All texted-in donations will be matched up to $5,000 by Manitoba pork producers. Text HSCF to 20222 to donate $25 now (tax receipts will be issued by the Mobile Giving Foundation). To donate:
- Click here and select Giving Tuesday on the “Donation Designation” dropdown menu
- Call us at 204-515-5612 or toll-free at 1-800-679-8493
*Name and case details have been modified
