Many sisters enjoy activities together, but Julie and Jill, ages 38 and 37, took it to the extreme. The sisters had hysterectomies on the same morning at the same place... Grand View Hospital.

Both women suffered from menorrhagia, a condition characterized by heavy and painful menstrual periods, fatigue, and sometimes anemia. Each woman saw her gynecologist at Stoneridge OB/GYN and decided to have a hysterectomy. "Our mom suggested we have the surgery the same day and call it a 'sisterectomy,'" Julie said.

Jill's difficulties began three years ago. Her gynecologist, Stephen Kupersmith, MD, performed endometrial ablation - a minimally invasive procedure that controls heavy bleeding. "Ablation changed my life," said Jill. "I no longer had to stay close to home three days each month."

Although the ablation was successful, Dr. Kupersmith told Jill that her underlying condition would most likely warrant a hysterectomy at some point. Her pain eventually became severe, and her situation was complicated by the discovery of a benign ovarian tumor. The parents of three, Jill and her husband did not intend to have more children so she decided to have the hysterectomy. Dr. Kupersmith was able to successfully remove the mass and spare the ovary.

Sister Julie began experiencing similar problems around the same time Jill's issues began. Julie's gynecologist, Nicholas Lindberg, MD, suggested she, too, have a hysterectomy. "I have four beautiful kids. I love them to death but don't plan on more," laughed Julie.

Jill and Julie each chose to undergo laparoscopically assisted vaginal surgery - a modern technique that uses specialized tools inserted through tiny incisions in the navel and abdomen. The surgery leaves abdominal scars about one quarter-inch each in length. Benefits include less pain, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery time, and a smaller scar than traditional surgery.

The sisters left Grand View the morning after their surgery. Both experienced little pain or discomfort. "The hardest part was following our doctors' instructions and limiting our activity for a couple of days," said Jill. "We're very active, and before long we were back to working out and playing with our kids. We both feel great."

Source: Annual Report 2010