A Surgical Milestone: Miami Cancer Institute First in Southeast Region to Complete Uterine Transposition on Cancer Patient
MIAMI, FL – April 4, 2024 – Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, is the first cancer center to conduct a successful uterine transposition surgery on a cancer patient in the Southeast region.
Intended to preserve the patient’s fertility by sparing the uterus from radiation exposure, the uterus and ovaries are moved from their anatomic location to the upper abdominal region, allowing for radiation to treat the rectal area, where cancer in this specific patient was present. This stride in surgical advancements will allow for future female patients, who have cancer in the pelvic region, to preserve their uterus to one day, be able to carry a fetus to term and successfully deliver.
“This patient had rectal cancer. The intention was to move her uterus and ovaries to allow for the patient to begin radiation treatment. We are pleased to share this surgery was successful. Moving forward, we hope to provide this surgical option for young female patients who are looking to preserve their fertility, despite their cancer diagnosis within the pelvic region”, shared Dr. Jean-Marie Stephan, gynecologic surgical oncologist with Miami Cancer Institute, who performed the surgery.
Following the uterine transposition and the patient’s radiation and chemotherapy, the patient will undergo a second operation to remove the cancer in the rectum. During this surgery, the uterus will be moved back to its anatomic position.
“This year, we’ve seen a staggering increase in young adults being diagnosed with colorectal and gynecologic cancers. I foresee this surgical option being considered by more females who desire to start a family”, shared Dr. John Diaz, Chief of Gynecologic Oncology with Miami Cancer Institute and medical director of robotic surgery with Baptist Health South Florida. “This is truly a historic surgical milestone for Miami Cancer Institute.”
About Baptist Health
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 27,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and The Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News and World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
###
