Baptist Medical Center Beaches first in Florida to provide minimally invasive treatment to eliminate uterine fibroids

Every year, approximately 540,000 hysterectomies are performed for non-cancerous conditions, including uterine fibroids. Now, Baptist Medical Center Beaches offers the Acessa ProVu® system, an effective, minimally invasive alternative for women with symptomatic fibroids who would otherwise require hysterectomies or another inpatient surgical procedure.

The Acessa Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation is the first and only system to utilize controlled radio frequency energy to destroy uterine fibroids. Once treated, the fibroid cells shrink over time, ultimately resolving fibroid symptoms.

Samuel Brown, MD, infertility specialist and medical director of Brown Fertility, is the first to perform this procedure in Florida. “Women with symptomatic fibroids often experience excessive menstrual bleeding, severe cramping and pain with sex,” said Dr. Brown. “This procedure is an effective, minimally invasive option that greatly improves women’s quality of life. Many are able to return to normal activities within one to three days.” The procedure usually takes about an hour and patients go home the same day. There are a minimum of three incisions made, one in the navel and two near the bikini line. “Scarring is not usually visible,” said Dr. Brown. “The best part is that 94% of patients report that the treatment has been effective in eliminating their symptoms.”

The procedure is recommended for pre-menopausal women (typically younger than 55) who are tired of living with the ongoing pain and discomfort of fibroids and are looking for a minimally invasive option that does not require an overnight hospital stay. The procedure keeps the uterus intact and allows women to return to daily life quickly after the procedure.

More information about this laparoscopic procedure, which is available at Baptist Beaches, can be found at baptistjax.com/fibroids.