Miami Cancer Institute First in Region to Complete Uterine Transposition on Patient

Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute is the first cancer center in the Southeast region to conduct a successful uterine transposition surgery on a cancer patient, experts at the Institute say.

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 particular patient was located.

This stride in surgical advancements will allow for future female patients, who have cancer in the pelvic region, to preserve their uterus so that they can one day be able to carry a fetus to term and successfully deliver.

Jean-Marie Stephan, M.D., gynecologic surgical oncologist at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

“This patient had rectal cancer. The intention was to move her uterus and ovaries to allow for the patient to begin radiation treatment,” explained Jean-Marie Stephan, M.D., gynecologic surgical oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute, who performed the surgery. “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.”

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, Dr. Stephan notes. During this surgery, the patient’s uterus and ovaries will be moved back to their anatomic position.

John Diaz, M.D., chief of gynecologic oncology at Miami Cancer Institute and medical director of robotic surgery with Baptist Health South Florida

“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,” says John Diaz, M.D., chief of gynecologic oncology at 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.”