Dr. Andrea Pezzella conducts first minimally invasive prolapse system in South Carolina

May 24, 2021

Local Urogynecologist is first in Carolinas with unique, new platform for women suffering with pelvic organ prolapse

Andrea Pezzella, M.D., FPMRS, FACOG, of Southern Urogynecology Wellness & Aesthetics, recently conducted the first EnPlace™ minimally invasive prolapse system in South Carolina. Dr. Pezzella completed specific educational steps (including an online tutorial and use of a 3D-print surgical model) with the EnPlace™ System and demonstrates a commitment to exemplary care for women suffering from symptoms associated with uterine prolapse.

The EnPlace™ approach is FDA-cleared and helps resuspend a sagging uterus. This approach is especially relevant as many women want a uterine-sparing option versus having a hysterectomy and EnPlace™ can provide that comfort. The EnPlace™ System is a proven, minimally invasive technology for fixation of pelvic floor ligaments and includes two small nitinol (nickel) anchor implants that are transvaginally delivered during a brief, outpatient procedure. EnPlace™ outcomes can include a relief of pelvic organ prolapse (commonly known as “POP”) which al-lows women to resume common lifestyle activity and doesn’t use any mesh or biologic implant. Most importantly, EnPlace™ is conducted with nearly zero dissection (or cutting) of the vaginal wall.

Dr. Pezzella is dedicated to helping women who previously suffered from prolapse symptoms and were apprehensive to have a larger, surgical procedure or even consider the use of a pessary. EnPlace™ delivers superior patient outcomes with a quick return to a patient’s routine lifestyle activity. Southern Urogynecology Wellness & Aesthetics is the midlands premier practice for Women’s Health and focuses on both traditional, surgical and restorative steps along with an array of aesthetic treatments for cellulose, wrinkles (BOTOX®), tightening muscles, urinary incontinence and vaginal rejuvenation. Dr. Pezzella is Board Certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, along with further certification in aesthetic options.

“We are excited to offer this minimally invasive approach to the women of North and South Carolina,” said Pezzella. “It is helpful to have expansion of bio-technology that can help women rapidly resume normal lifestyle activities in our armamentarium against prolapse. Our En-Place™ patients all go home the same day and are back at work and active within 48-72 hours, which is amazing!”

Unfortunately, a plastic, molded pessary is often the first-line therapy for prolapse care, but relief can be hindered by the uncomfortable aspect of having a plastic item inside a patient and the necessity for nearly constant care for bacteria, smell and overall fit. While current surgical options can be very effective in relieving prolapse symptoms, many women don’t want a long robotic surgery or are concerned about a lengthy recovery. EnPlace™ is a newfound option as a first-line therapy, after pessary.

“Our state-of-the-art facility sees women 25-85 years old, which helps us achieve our mission to truly serve a wide selection in the South Carolina community,” adds Pezzella.

Over 8 million women in the United States are affected by vault prolapse, a condition that occurs when pelvic floor organs such as the uterus, bladder or rectum slowly descend out of the vagina. Symptoms of POP often include a “bulging” feeling or the feeling of “sitting on a ball” and can make everyday activity somewhat difficult – including personal fitness, sexual relation-ships and intimacy. Prolapse patients often speak about important lifestyle problems that can cause loss of productivity, depression and decreased quality of life. The opportunity for a minimally invasive platform fulfills an unmet need in the field of Women’s Health, which includes urogynecology, urology and ObGyn care.

 

About Southern Urogynecology Wellness & Aesthetics

Southern Urogynecology Wellness & Aesthetics is the first and only center exclusively dedicated to Urogynecological services in the Greater Columbia Metropolitan Area. Founded by board certified Urogynecologist, Andrea Pezzella, M.D., FPMRS, FACOG, this premier center utilizes this sub-specialty of obstetrics and gynecology to evaluate all of the structures and systems of the female pelvis.

The medical practice offers minimally invasive and innovative treatments options in order for patients to restore and regain their confidence and improve their quality of life. Southern Urogynecology has been designated as an Axonics and Medtronic InterStim Center of Excellence for its expertise in sacral neuromodulation, for their quality of patient outcomes, and the teams’ continued commitment to improving the lives of patients suffering from debilitating bladder and bowel symptoms,

In addition to Urogynecology and Cosmetic Gynecology treatments and procedures, Southern Urogynecology Wellness & Aesthetics offers a full menu of aesthetic services including BOTOX®, Fillers, platelet-rich plasma facials and skin tightening laser treatments. For more information, follow Southern Urogynecology on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the website.

About FEMSelect

FEMSelect is a Woman-Led Company
FEMSelect is based in Tel Aviv, Israel and was founded by noted Urogynecologist, Professor Menahem Neuman in 2014, as he considered ways to make prolapse repair less invasive than the current approaches. FEMSelect has two women as co-CEO’s – both with a deep understand-ing of the debilitating symptoms and emotional strains caused by prolapse. Over their careers, both leaders have been committed to women’s health and are leading together to develop in-novative and safe solutions for women.

About EnPlace™

The FEMSelect EnPlace™ is indicated for the fixation of pelvic floor ligaments. The EnPlace™ system is a meshless and nearly dissection free approach for ligament fixation, commonly used in prolapse surgery for many years. The minimally invasive EnPlace™ platform allows women to rapidly recover and resume normal lifestyle activities. FEMSelect voluntarily conducted a global, multicenter post-market study and the early (12-month) data from that study show sta-bility with EnPlace™ repair.