The Sonata Treatment provides patients with an incision-free, outpatient option  

Piedmont Medical Center is proud to announce OB GYN, Dr. Krystal Carmichael completed the first Sonata® System procedure at Piedmont Medical Center Rock Hill. This is an incisionless surgery used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids. Fibroids are benign growths in or around the uterus.  They are common and most women develop them during childbearing age.  Uterine fibroids may cause uncomfortable symptoms, including heavy bleeding and painful periods.  Problematic fibroids can range in size from a grape to a grapefruit.  Symptoms may worsen over time if fibroids are left untreated.  More than 2 million women in the U.S. undergo treatment for uterine fibroids each year. Research has shown that in the U.S., around 70 percent of white women and more than 80 percent of black women will have uterine fibroids before the age of 50. 

The Sonata System uses an intrauterine ultrasound handpiece to locate and target the individual fibroids. Radiofrequency energy is delivered to shrink the fibroid and reduce symptoms.  The Sonata Treatment is an alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy, and can treat a wide range of fibroid types, sizes, and locations.  The fibroids are treated from inside the uterus, so the Sonata Treatment requires no incisions to the abdomen, no tissue is surgically removed, and the uterus is preserved. When surveyed after 12 months, 95 percent of women in a clinical study on Sonata Treatment trial results reported a reduction in menstrual bleeding and 50 percent said they returned to normal activity the next day.

“I am honored to complete the first procedure using the Sonata System at Piedmont Medical Center Rock Hill. This minimally invasive procedure provides my patients who are living with uterine fibroids, an option to relieve life-altering symptoms”, said OB-GYN, Dr. Krystal Carmichael with Carolina OB GYN - Piedmont Physician Network. “This technology provides women the chance to get back to doing what they love, without a long recovery time.”

“It is an honor to provide this technology at Piedmont Medical Center Rock Hill as an option for women living with uterine fibroids”, said Piedmont Medical Center Market CEO, Teresa Urquhart.  “Piedmont as a market strives to provide the most up to date procedures so our community members have healthcare options close to home, and offering the Sonata System is another way we aim to provide high-quality care.”

Women with symptomatic fibroids may present one or more of the following symptoms:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding/menorrhagia
• Abdominopelvic pain/pressure
• Increased abdominal girth
• Urinary frequency
• Constipation
• Subfertility
• Pregnancy loss
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)

To learn more about OB GYN services and treatment options available at Piedmont Medical Center for uterine fibroids please visit, https://www.piedmontmedicalcenter.com/services/uterine-fibroids-treatment .