Local surgeon offering alternative to traditional hysterectomy

Dr. Kari Formsma, an obstetrician at Pathway Women's Health will present a seminar on Thursday, May 28, 2009 on new minimally invasive options for women facing a hysterectomy. She is considered one of the most experienced robotic gynecologic surgeons in the region.

The free event is being hosted in the Heritage Room at Schuler's Restaurant in Marshall, Michigan. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. followed by Dr. Formsma's program at 6:30.

If you or someone you know is facing the need for a hysterectomy, you will not want to miss this educational opportunity.

The daVinci S 'HD' robotic surgery allows a surgeon's hand movements to be translated into precise movements of micro-instruments in and near the surgery site through tiny surgery openings. Its three-dimensional imaging camera capabilities give the surgeon a clearer picture of tissue structures. Because the surgery is performed using very small instruments placed through tiny incisions in the body, the patient experiences less pain and blood loss, usually has a shorter hospital, and most importantly is able to return to normal activities more quickly than for women who have had a traditional hysterectomy.

For reservations, go to the BCHS website: www.bchealth.com and sign up through the 'classes' icon on the homepage - or call (877) GO2-BCHS or (877) 462-2247. Space is limited.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

About the Presenter
Dr. Kari Formsma received her medical degree from the College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology from the Saginaw Cooperative Hospitals in Saginaw, Michigan. She was formerly a registered nurse and has special interest in preventative women's health initiatives and minimally invasive surgical approaches in the treatment of gynecologic conditions.
Dr. Formsma has served as chair of the Battle Creek Health System obstetrics and gynecology department and on a number of community committees including the Maternal-Infant Health Commission and the Fetal-Infant Mortality Review Committee. She also has been a physician volunteer for the Nursing Clinic of Battle Creek and on a medical mission trip to Mexico, and co-organized a local course for physicians on integration of faith into medical practice.
Dr. Formsma is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has specialized training in daVinci S 'HD' computer-assisted robotic surgery.