Women's Health

Reed City Hospital Introduces Advanced Gynecologic Procedures

Introducing Advanced Gynecologic Procedures

Lawrence Schappa, M.D. and Rebecca Saucedo, C.N.M., offer a wide range of women’s services at Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital and their office in Cadillac.

In addition to evaluation and treatment of routine gynecologic problems, preventative health care and well-woman care, the duo seeks to bring the most effective, safe and up-to-date treatments to the region.

Dr. Schappa has been a pioneer in introducing advanced, minimally invasive gynecologic procedures to the area for the last 11 years- focusing on alternative procedures to hysterectomy for women suffering from menstrual problems, the treatment of pelvic pain and urinary incontinence.

Of special interest has been the introduction of a procedure for women who desire permanent sterilization yet are reluctant to undergo traditional tubal ligation or have partners uncomfortable with the idea of vasectomy.

Essure’ Procedure

“We’ve offered the Essure’ outpatient procedure to women desiring a permanent form of birth control because it’s safe, reliable and an excellent alternative to surgical options,” says Dr. Schappa.

Unlike other forms of birth control, no hormones are released, there are no incisions and the procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting.

Over 90 percent of patients have the 15-minute procedure done in the office with the use of local anesthesia. Patients are home and back to their normal activities the next day. “Finally, women have an option that is comparable to vasectomy in simplicity, safety and effectiveness,” says Dr. Schappa.

The procedure has been out for more than six years with effectiveness rates close to 99 percent, equal to that of vasectomy or traditional tubal ligation. It is an irreversible form of sterilization approved by the FDA and covered by most insurance plans.’For more information about any of our procedures, or to schedule an appointment, call (231) 779-8100.