Comments on: whither craftsmanship?

By: dtoub

dtoub — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:45:05 +0000

Denise, I’m extremely devoted to alternatives to hysterectomy. That said, I wouldn’t describe that book as a complete discussion, nor is it unbiased. I’m the first to criticize some of my colleagues (who are now in the minority, I’m happy to report) who are not supportive of other options besides hysterectomy for fibroids. However, I’m not willing to accept the view that most gynecologists want to “castrate” women with hysterectomy. In many cases, at least in my experience, it is the patient’s choice. I’ve spent a lot of time with some women explaining all the options available to them and even indicating my own preference of avoiding hysterectomy, but some women desire hysterectomy as a definitive cure for fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding and that is indeed their right. What needs to happen is for more books to be written that reflect an unbiased, evidence-based reality of what is certainly a complex and important topic.

By: dtoub

dtoub — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:40:50 +0000

Thanks Paul. I’m still confused why some of my colleagues are willing to spend time learning how to perform cosmetic surgery but can’t become adequately trained to provide some standard gynecologic procedures.

By: Denise Cleveland

Denise Cleveland — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:59:00 +0000

The most complete discussion about hysterectomy, alternatives (such as ablation), and gynecology in general that I’ve seen is in the book THE H WORD, available at Amazon.

By: paul bailey

paul bailey — Wed, 13 May 2009 03:35:35 +0000

great post! i remember a new yorker article a few years ago that described this exact problem about childbirth, in the most ‘efficient’ methods that were being taught didn’t take in consideration all the complications that could arise. training became a decision of craftsmanship vs. statistics. so is the world we live