A West Yorkshire surgeon is helping lead the way with ground-breaking work that could result in a ten-minute operation ending monthly misery for millions of women.

Naren Samtaney, a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at Airedale Hospital, Steeton, has just carried out a four-year programme of treatment known as Endometrial Laser Ablation (ELA).

The treatment avoids the need for a hysterectomy, an operation Mr Samtaney believes is "barbaric" for the majority of women simply suffering from heavy periods.

"There is no reason why women should have to go under the knife in this day and age unless it is absolutely necessary," said the 46-year-old from Ilkley.

As well as the emotional factors involved with such an operation, it has often meant at least a week-long stay in hospital followed by a three-month convalescence period. Some women have even taken as long as six months to recover.

But ELA treatment means the patient is in hospital for only 48 hours and generally recovered in about two weeks.

If a woman is considered suitable for laser treatment she is given a course of tablets to thin the lining of the womb. The procedure, carried out under a general anaesthetic, lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. It involves a laser fibre being inserted through the cervix into the womb via a specially- modified telescope, with pictures sent to a viewing screen. The lining tissues causing the problems are then lasered away.

The treatment was first developed in the United States in the early 1980s and has been used in this country for the last decade but Airedale is the only hospital in Yorkshire where it is available.

It is not more widely used because the equipment is expensive to buy. Patients at other hospitals in the area are given treatment using an electronic device with similar results.

Mr Samtaney said: "I have carried out 495 of these operations, and our follow-up study has been very positive."

He added: "In the next 12 months we are hoping to see a new laser technique developed which will be carried out with a local anaesthetic, take place in an outpatients department and be over in just ten minutes. Women will literally be able to just walk in and walk out."

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