Women's health

The St. Francis surgery team provides a warm and compassionate environment for the patient, from admission to discharge. We are sensitive to women's needs, and we make privacy a top priority. St. Francis offers the most current diagnostic and operative technologies, including:

• Ablation modalities—NovaSure endrometrial ablation.
• Dilation and curettage.
• Laparoscopy to treat pelvic pain, masses and endometriosis.
• Cervical LEEP/Laser—excision of abnormal cells on the cervix.
• Hysterectomy to treat fibroids, abnormal bleeding, cancer and prolapse.

We offer the full range of surgical options for a hysterectomy: vaginal, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal, abdominal and total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Hysterectomies may also need to be combined with reconstruction procedures for urinary incontinence from prolapsed pelvic relaxation, cancer or other circumstance.

Endometrial ablation has become a widely held option to remove excess endometrial lining. Uterine fibroids, another common condition, can often be treated with medication, myomectomy (removal of the fibroid) and uterine artery embolization. Be sure to speak to your physician about your options if you are experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with any of the above conditions, as well as endometriosis or uterine prolapse, or if you have precancerous cells.

Contact

Allina Health Shakopee–OB/GYN and Midwifery
952.428.3535

Park Nicollet Clinic–OB/GYN
952.428.3282

We offer screening, diagnosis, education, support and treatment for women with breast cancer and other breast-related problems. We coordinate our services so you get the information that you need to make the best decision for you.

You can come to us for mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies. Our specialists have expertise in breast reconstruction, lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal manipulation, biological therapies and other treatments.

To schedule an appointment, contact St. Francis Diagnostic Imaging at 952.428.2151.

Have you scheduled your mammogram? The American Cancer Society recommends women over 40 get a mammogram every year. Same-day appointments are available at St. Francis Health Services in Savage and in Shakopee on the St. Francis campus.

A digital mammogram is similar to a traditional film screen mammogram. Both use x-rays to generate images of the breast. However, instead of using film to capture and record the image, a digital mammogram uses a special detector to capture and convert x-ray energy into a digital image, making the images immediately available to the radiologist for analysis. The benefit to patients is that there is no waiting for film to be developed, reducing the time patients spend at St. Francis, as well as reducing the need for repeat exams due to under- or overexposure.

To schedule an appointment, contact St. Francis Diagnostic Imaging at 952.428.2151.

Testing your bone health is important. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that all women over age 65 and postmenopausal women with at least one risk factor for osteoporosis undergo a bone density test. Results from bone density tests are used to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis. The bone density test will provide total body bone health assessment. Contact your primary care provider for a referral.

To schedule an appointment, contact St. Francis Diagnostic Imaging at 952.428.2151.

3-D non-diagnostic ultrasounds are available to pregnant patients for keepsake fetal portraits. You must first have a 20-week fetal anatomy scan done at St. Francis or Park Nicollet Shakopee before the 3-D ultrasound can be performed.

The 30- to 45-minute exam includes:

• 2-D images (typical ultrasound images).
• 3-D images.
• Short video clips.
• Views of feet and legs, arms and hands, profile and face, gender, and movement.
• Keepsake CD.

The preferred gestational age for fetal portraits is between 27 and 32 weeks. At this stage, amniotic fluid levels are optimal and the fetus has adequate body fat and tissue.

The quality of fetal portraits varies depending on many factors. If we are unable to acquire quality pictures of your baby, you may return for one additional session at no additional charge.

Elective 3-D exams are self-pay, meaning they are not billable through insurance. We accept cash or credit card only—no checks. The cost of the non-diagnostic 3-D fetal portrait session is $200.

To schedule an appointment, contact St. Francis Diagnostic Imaging at 952.428.2151.

Our women's health rehabilitation program is designed for any woman who is experiencing symptoms related to pregnancy (pre and post natal) urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and a variety of other bladder and bowel conditions.

Examples of conditions we treat include:

• Muscular or joint impairment related to pregnancy or childbirth.
• Back, tailbone or pubic pain.
• Sciatica (tingling sensations).
• Separation of the abdominal muscles.
• Pelvic floor muscle tension or pain.
• Postsurgical abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Incontinence.
• Pelvic floor weakness.
• Muscular or joint impairment related to childcare activities or menopause.
• Lymphedema.

Physical therapists with special training will use a variety of techniques while working with you to reach your goals.

These methods include:

• Manual therapy techniques to relax tight muscles and restore pelvic symmetry.
• Therapeutic exercises to strengthen, stretch or retrain pelvic symmetry.
• Treatments such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation for pain relief.
• Biofeedback treatments to improve body awareness.
• Education regarding posture, body mechanics, bladder and bowel health, general fitness, and pre- and postnatal fitness.
• Use and fitting of support garments.

Women's health rehabilitation services are provided by St. Francis Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine at the Shakopee and Savage locations. To learn more, call 952.428.2001.