Dr. Mitch Dizon, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon at Erlanger Women’s Health, performed the region’s first minimally invasive ablation surgery treatment for uterine fibroids
On March 20, Dr. Mitch Dizon, a subspecialist in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Erlanger Women’s Health, performed the region’s first laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation surgery for uterine fibroids.
According to national statistics, approximately 540,000 hysterectomies are performed annually for non-cancerous conditions, including uterine fibroids. Erlanger now offers another safe and effective minimally invasive option for women with symptomatic fibroids who would otherwise require a hysterectomy, myomectomy, or uterine fibroid embolization.
“I am thrilled to offer this new state-of-the-art treatment for the numerous women who suffer with fibroids,” said Dr.
Dizon. “While laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomies are the most common procedure I perform for fibroids, they don’t necessarily fit into every woman’s life. To be able to provide them another safe minimally invasive option with a short recovery time while restoring their quality of life is an important step in advancing the solutions we offer patients.”
Officials said, "Fibroids can cause heavy bleeding and painful periods that can be extremely debilitating to women. This treatment can significantly reduce the fibroid size resulting in less symptoms and meaningful improvements to quality of life for the patient. Additionally, the recovery time is very quick.
"This new laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation treatment is the first and only system to utilize radiofrequency ablation, laparoscopic ultrasound, and guidance mapping to treat women suffering from fibroids. The potential patient benefits include a significant reduction in uterine bleeding and fibroid size, less pain after the procedure, lower intraoperative blood loss compared to hysterectomy and myomectomy, and quick recovery time as patients typically return to work within five days.
"Another benefit, the laparoscopic ultrasound and guidance mapping also allows the surgeon to visualize and treat more fibroids. The system can locate 1.5-2x more fibroids than MRI or transvaginal ultrasound. This allows for patients to receive treatment for fibroids that may have been previously undetected."
Dr. Dizon stated, “Previously, women would have to travel to Nashville or Atlanta to have this procedure. I’m so excited to bring this treatment option to the women of Chattanooga and surrounding areas. It gives them more options to decide what is best for their current needs and lifestyle.”
Dr. Mitch Dizon, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon at Erlanger Women’s Health, performed the region’s first minimally invasive ablation surgery treatment for uterine fibroids