Medical Reports: Balloon Breakthrough

WSVN -- Wilma Lluberas lives life to the fullest. She's always on the go. Exercising daily and working as a dental hygienist, but, once a month, her active life would come to a painful halt.

Wilma Lluberas: "I was having some bleeding, long periods and cramping. That was terrible."

She had endometriosis, a problem with the uterus that can cause heavy menstruation. After trying drugs and even a DNC, she was told her best option was a hysterectomy, a surgery that would remove her female organs.

Wilma Lluberas: "When I hear hysterectomy, it makes me feel terrible. I believe it takes away a little of your womanhood."

And, like most of us, she didn't have the time it takes for recovery.

Wilma Lluberas: "Between four and six weeks that I would have to be off work."

Millions of women like Wilma suffer from excessive menstrual bleeding and pain that often ends in a hysterectomy, but many don't know about a quick, in-office procedure that can stop this monthly problem.

Dr. Joseph Triana: "The advantage of this procedure is that nothing is being removed. She still has her uterus, still has her ovaries. Hormonally, the patient doesn't change in any way."

The procedure is called uterine ablation. This little balloon is inserted into the uterine cavity where it circulates scorching water. It burns off the outer layer of the uterus, where the bleeding comes from each month. Afterwards most patients will have either normal periods or no bleeding at all.

Dr. Joseph Triana: "The patient can come into the office setting and, in a matter of 12 minutes, have the procedure done."

Wilma Lluberas: "I was able to go to work 48 hours after."

This procedure is not for women who still want to have children.

For Wilma, it was the right choice. Now nothing can slow her down at any time of the month.

Wilma Lluberas: "Oh, my God. My life has changed a lot."

Robin Simmons: "Insurance does pay for this and now many gynecologists are doing this procedure in their offices."