How a doctor became a leading specialist treating endometriosis, pelvic pain, and fibroids

Jonathan H. Reinstine, M.D., is a pioneer  in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery

For Jonathan H. Reinstine, M.D., becoming a surgeon was in the cards almost from the start. Coming from a family that included pediatric and general surgeons, he knew that’s what he wanted to do. What he didn’t know was the specialty.

“I was going to be a pediatric surgeon originally,” said Dr. Reinstine, an OB/GYN  with Associates in Obstetrics and Gynecology, a Part of Norton Women’s Care. “But during medical school I worked with some gynecological oncologists and was attracted to the art of surgery for pelvic issues. It was a way I could make more of a difference for people.”

During his residency, he discovered even more.

“I really enjoyed the perfect mix of medicine and surgery,” he said. “I also really liked that I could have lifelong relationships with my patients. Obstetrics was also an unexpected joy as I was able to watch families grow.”

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery

Dr. Reinstine was a pioneer in bringing new surgical techniques to patients in Louisville and Southern Indiana. He performed some of the earliest laparoscopic hysterectomies in 1991. He was at the leading edge in developing laparoscopic surgery and hysteroscopy to treat fibroids, endometriosis and bleeding issues with less pain and recovery time.

He was also instrumental in Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital becoming a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive GynecologyTM (COEMIG) recognized by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) as well as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery TM (COERS).

The COEMIG and COERS programs are focused on improving the safety and quality of gynecologic patient care and are designed to expand access to minimally invasive gynecologic procedures performed by surgeons.

Treating complex pelvic issues

“An estimated 25 to 30 percent of women live with pelvic health issues,” Dr. Reinstine said. “The key to treating them is examining other functions of the body and bringing multiple specialists and services together.”

While many patients have been with him for years, Dr. Reinstine and the rest of the pelvic health team also help women who have not been able to find answers elsewhere.

“Sometimes we also need to start from scratch and take fresh looks at everything if a woman is not getting relief,” Dr. Reinstine said. “The main goal is finding an answer.”

Sometimes that can include new treatments for endometriosis and fibroids.

The pelvic health team

The Norton Women’s Care Pelvic Health Program includes specialists in gynecology; urogynecology; pediatric and adolescent gynecology; urology; allergy; colorectal surgery; interventional radiology; anesthesiology; physical therapy and mental health.

Comprehensive Women’s Care

Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology™ and a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery™

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Their goal is to bring together expertise not always found elsewhere to help women with often complex conditions. This can include women who have large fibroids, women who have already had multiple procedures or surgeries that can make treatment more complex, and those wishing for less invasive options.

Minimally invasive procedures for pelvic health include:

  • Laparoscopic, robotic-assisted and hysteroscopic myomectomy along with uterine artery embolization as an alternative to hysterectomy for uterine fibroids
  • Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted procedures for uterine prolapse, including sacral colpopexy and native tissue repairs
  • Vaginal and laparoscopic options to abdominal hysterectomy
  • Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted conservative resections for endometriosis

Other Norton Women’s Care Pelvic Health Program physicians include David L. Doering, M.D.; Sarah M. Kane, M.D.Marjorie L. Pilkinton, M.D. and Dwight D. Pridham, M.D.

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