Benefits to a minimally invasive hysterectomy procedure are:

• Less pain
• Fewer complications
• Less blood loss
• Shorter hospital stay
• Low risk of wound infection
• Quicker recovery and return to normal activities

The da Vinci System is a state-of-the-art surgical platform with 3D, high-definition vision and miniaturized, wristed surgical instruments designed to help doctors take surgery beyond the limits of the human hand. By helping doctors to overcome the challenges of traditional open and laparoscopic surgery, da Vinci is changing the experience of surgery for women around the world.

For more information [continue reading about da Vinci Hysterectomy]

“Dr. Wittenberg gave me a second chance. She took an interest in helping me. Thanks to her, everything turned out well.” Through OA, Wittenberg has helped 14 patients “get to a place where they can enjoy their lives without pain.”

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Wittenberg, call 415.923.3130 or schedule a consultation online.

If you have a story about how Dr. Wittenberg was influential in your life, share your story here.

Appearing at the event held at The Embassy Suites Hotel in beautiful Napa Valley, Dr. Wittenberg represented Pacific Gynecology presenting along with other reputable speakers from around the country.

- Heidi Wittenberg 415.923.3130

“Marin Magazine conducted a survey that has resulted in this [415] Top Doctors list — top physicians practicing in San Francisco and Marin counties who received multiple independent recommendations from their peers. The survey process started with a list of more than 4,000 licensed doctors across all specialties in both counties. All doctors on this list were both candidates and eligible voters in the peer-to-peer voting poll. Doctors were allowed to cast an unlimited number of votes across all specialties — they could vote for as many doctors as they wanted regardless of medical specialty — but they could only vote for the same doctor once.”

Dr. Leslie Kardos is the Bay Area’s most experienced surgeon in robotic procedures for benign gynecologic disease. She specializes in robotic myomectomy (fibroid removal) and has followed over 20 patients in their subsequent pregnancies. Dr. Heidi Wittenberg specializes in urogynecology and did the first da Vinci sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse in San Francisco. She also developed our on-site Comprehensive Pelvic Continence Center.

Link to award listing

View the bio for Dr. Leslie Kardos

View the bio for Dr. Heidi Wittenberg

Kudos go out to two CPMC physicians who were recognized for their work with a group that provides medical care to patients who don’t have health insurance. Operation Access (OA), which provides free outpatient surgery and specialty care, will honor Michelle Li, M.D., with a Legacy Award for her work with OA performing surgeries, such as hernia repair and cholecystectomy. Dr. Li has volunteered with OA since 2006, seeing about one patient per month. OA will also award Heidi Wittenberg, M.D., the only urogynecologist in OA’s Bay Area program, an Unsung Hero Award. Since starting in 2010, Dr. Wittenberg has provided life-changing surgeries to women who have suffered from pelvic disorders.

Read more on the San Francisco Medical Society Blog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LYNDHURST, NJ — From the first menstrual cycle to pregnancy and through menopause, women depend on the expertise of OB/GYNs to guide them through their different life stages.

In order to help women choose the right physician, Vitals has released the list of top patient-rated OB/GYNs in the San Francisco area.

The list was derived by analyzing thousands of positive ratings for physicians on Vitals.com, along with other quality measures. The ratings section of Vitals is accessed by more than 60 percent of site users who view a doctor profile, and more than 35,000 patients each month leave doctor reviews.

Experts advise women to begin regular appointments with a gynecologist as soon as they become sexually active, or after the age of 21, where they will receive annual Pap smears – an important cancer screening tool for women. According to the latest CDC data, more than 70,000 women are diagnosed with cancers affecting the female reproductive organs each year and more than 20,000 women die from such a disease.

In addition to screening for and treating gynecological cancers and other disorders, OB/GYNs also perform general pelvic and breast exams, prescribe birth control, assist in natural family planning and treat the symptoms of menopause. For pregnant women, OB/GYNs provide prenatal care and perform child delivery.

“Patient ratings are regarded as a critical part of the decision process when choosing a physician,” said Jeff Cutler, executive vice president of Vitals. “We have provided this area-specific list of top patient-rated OB/GYNs as an unbiased resource to help
women choose the right doctor to assist them in maintaining gynecological health.”

Below are the top patient-rated OB/GYNs in the San Francisco metropolitan area, as featured on Vitals:

• Dr. Laurie Green, San Francisco, California
• Dr. Robert Epstein, San Francisco, California
• Dr. Yvette Gentry, Oakland, California
• Dr. Heidi Wittenberg, San Francisco, California
• Dr. Rebecca Yee, San Francisco, California
• Dr. Katherine Hsiao, San Francisco, California
• Dr. Marilyn Milkman, San Francisco, California
• Dr. Eric Tabas, San Francisco, California
• Dr. Secily Bason-Mitchell, San Francisco, California
• Dr. Karen Callen, San Francisco, California

For more information about these OB/GYNs, or to find other specialty or primary care physicians in your area, visit Vitals.com.

About Vitals
Vitals empowers consumers with the tools and services they need to take charge of their health. Vitals is the only website dedicated to helping patients find doctors that meet their needs, request appointments and prepare for their visit with our condition-specific Patient Guides. Used by over 9 million people each month, Vitals makes it easy for patients to find and connect with quality medical care.

• First get evaluated by your MD for a urinary tract infection or other immediate medical issue.

Once an infection or another medical issue has been ruled out and your doctor tells you that you have an overactive bladder, here are some options:

• Watch dietary aggravations for the bladder.
• Alcohol, caffeine, soda, bananas, citrus acid are all irritating to the bladder. A more detailed list can be found on websites for interstitial cystitis.
• Try practicing Kegels exercises.

For more detailed information, visit our Urodynamics Page or to talk to a doctor, call 415.923.3130.

Dr. Kardos explains what uterine fibroids are and the effects that they can have. Dr. Kardos is one of the best minimally invasive surgeons and regularly instructs other surgeons on robotic surgery procedures and complicated treatment options.

Myomectomy can be challenging using traditional laparoscopic techniques. Myomas are often large, numerous, located in the posterior uterus or broad ligament. These challenging locations may lead to conversions or at best very long laparoscopic proceedures. The majority of myomectomies are still done through open incisions because of these limitations. The advent of barbed suture has made three layered closures easier but the most crucial aspect of a myomectomy is a successful uterine reconstruction, which will allow for future pregnancy if so desired.

Robotic myomectomy (RM) is a more flexible approach. Wristed instruments allow the surgeon to move around complex pathology. The ability to do easy intracaporeal suturing allows for quick and complex repairs of the uterine defects. There are no limitations by fibroid location, relative number or size ( as long as one can place laparoscopic ports..)  The one limitation is lack of haptics which is overcome by practice. RM generally results in less blood loss, pain and fewer conversions to open surgery for the patient. This is a patient centric procedure. There are also  better ergonomics for the surgeon.

I have followed 88 RM prospectively in my private practice and have followed 11 of their subsequent completed pregnancies, two pregnancies in progress ( second and third trimester) and three miscarriages ( first trimester) There were no placental abnormalities, no preterm labor or complications thus far. Based on this preliminary case series, I feel RM is the optimal way to offer reproducible, MIS surgery to patients requiring myomectomy. I think it will allow more patients’ access to MIS for their myomectomies. I will share data and video to demonstrate my point.

Dr. Leslie Kardos has over 15 years of experience in gynecology and is the recognized leader in the industry for robotic surgery. She specializes in advanced laparoscopy and robotic surgery. Her goal is to offer minimally invasive surgery whenever possible.

To contact Dr. Kardos or a consult or appointment, call: 415.923.3130

Dr. Wittenberg is known for her involvement in several local and national professional societies. She regularly assists with charities both domestically and internationally and is also involved in animal rescue.

To contact Dr. Wittenberg or a consult or appointment, call: 415.923.3130