Physicians in Focus

Danielle Burke still remembers visiting many obstetricians in New York, searching desperately for someone who could undo the damage done to her body as a result of Stage 4 endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus travels outside the organ, causing bleeding and scarring. Ms. Burke’s condition, which had progressed undetected for many years, left her with adhesions all over her bowels and scar tissue that had welded her ovaries to her uterus.

“I had this portfolio of photographs from my laparoscopy that I would lay on the table in front of each physician,” says Ms. Burke. “They would always get this look of horror as they viewed the pictures. It was very frightening.”

Ms. Burke sought both an experienced obstetrician/ gynecologist who could surgically remove the endometriosis tissue and adhesions, as well as a skilled reproductive endocrinologist who could help her to become pregnant. While 30-40 percent of women with endometriosis face infertility, Ms. Burke had been given a 0 percent chance of conceiving naturally because of the extent of the damage. She was 29 at the time.

The Search Is Over
Finally, Ms. Burke and her husband, Sean, found the qualified physicians they needed, and both of them were located in New Jersey. First, with the help of Richard Luciani, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist, she underwent a laparotomy that helped to undo the damage from the endometriosis. Next, with the assistance of Margaret Graf Garrisi, M.D., Medical Director of the Assisted Reproduction Program at The Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science at Saint Barnabas, she and her husband began infertility treatment.

There would be many hurdles to jump in order to both conceive and carry a child to term. After a test showed that Mr. Burke had a low sperm count, it was discovered that a tumor on his pituitary gland was causing the problem. The tumor was successfully treated, and then the couple had 10 eggs harvested from Ms. Burke. After fertilization, four embryos developed, only two of which continued to multiply.

“We had only two viable embryos for implantation,” says Ms. Burke. Fortunately, a positive pregnancy was confirmed and the couple was overjoyed to see a heartbeat on the ultrasound a few weeks later.

“After years of being told that I would never become pregnant, and all the pain I endured, it was incredible to finally be carrying a baby,” Ms. Burke relates.

“Dr. Garrisi and the entire staff were just wonderful and they made the whole process much easier.”

Success After A Difficult Journey
The hurdles would continue as Ms. Burke began to bleed in her twelfth week of pregnancy. After receiving surgery to close her cervix, she was put on bedrest for the remainder of her pregnancy.

Though her due date was January 13, Ms. Burke began experiencing labor pains the day before Thanksgiving and delivered the baby early with an emergency cesarean section on November 22, 2001. Riley Burke was welcomed into the world at 5 pounds, 0.2 ounces and, after a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, was able to go home on December 12.

“She is the best Christmas present we have ever received,” say the proud parents. Ms. Burke adds that she is profoundly grateful to Dr. Garrisi and Dr. Luciani for helping her to conceive. “It sounds sappy, but they gave me this child. Every time I see Riley I think that she is our little miracle baby and I thank God for her. From Dr. Luciani and Dr. Garrisi, to the Maternal-Fetal physicians, to Neonatology, it was truly a team effort.”

The Institute at Saint Barnabas
One of the nation’s leading fertility centers, the Institute provides patients with state-of-the-art clinical treatments, supported by the latest scientific knowledge and laboratory techniques. In 2001, the Institute treated patients from 40 states and 16 foreign countries. Their success in treating both male- and female-related disorders is evidenced by The Institute’s pregnancy rates, which are among the highest in the world.

Clinical Services/Science and Research
The Institute offers a broad spectrum of infertility services to meet the unique needs of patients. Because clinical treatment varies, based on diagnosis, each couple receives an individualized care plan. This plan may include treatments ranging from simple surgeries or drug therapies to the most sophisticated methods and advanced treatments available to help them conceive. These include in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other advanced reproductive technologies (ART). The Institute also maintains an active, on-site egg donor program and links to outside donor agencies. Patients also have access to a variety of support services.

For more information about the Institute, please call (973) 322-8286.

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