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According to the National Institute of Health, fibroids are growths made of smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and other material that grow in or on the wall of the uterus. Fibroids may grow as a single tumor or in clusters. In many cases, a single uterus may contain many fibroids with different sizes as shown in the diagram below.

Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus.

Peduncule fibroids grow on stalks that grow out from the surface of the uterus or into the uterine cavity.

Fibroids affects a woman’s overall health including her finances. The nation is not far behind. A National Institute of Health 2012 study estimated annual direct costs (surgery, hospital admissions, outpatient visits, medications) to $4.1 to $9.4 billion. In addition, the estimated lost work costs ranged from $1.55 to $17.2 billion annually. But wait there is more. Obstetric outcomes attributed to fibroids resulted in a cost of $238 million to $7.76 billion annually. Uterine fibroids were estimated to cost the nation $5.9 to $34.4 billion annually. Therefore, the researchers concluded that complications from fibroids contributed significantly to women’s economic burden - from lost wages to temporary disability.

and menstrual bleeding so copious it causes anemia. Consequently, uterine fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomies.

Quezada says women do not have to opt for hysterectomies because there are several viable non-invasive fibroid treatments. “There are now FDA approved procedures; shrinking down the fibroids so the women can be more functional, hence able to recalibrate, regroup and live a better life.”

For example, Quezada performs Myomectomy surgeries. This is a uterine fibroid removal surgery that leaves the uterus and all other reproductive organs intact. Hence, the woman can still have children after the procedure. There is more.

Acessa procedure:

Health care providers categorize fibroids based on where they grow:

Submucosa fibroids grow just underneath the uterine lining and endometrial cavity.

Intramural fibroids grow in between the muscles of the uterus.

In addition, a 2016, National Institute of Health research indicates that fibroids affect 65% of all women by the time they reach age fifty. As many as half of all affected women experience severe menstrual periods that lead to pain, reproductive problems, depression, emotional problems, vNote (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery)

Dr. Quezada is one of the few surgeons nationwide who performs Acessa for the removal of fibroids. The Acessa procedure uses ultrasound to detect fibroids for treatment. Consequently, his patients avoid hysterectomy. But that is not all.

Quezada is a vNote surgeon. According to him, this is another choice women can consider for gynecologic procedures. vNote is an advanced minimally invasive surgery. This procedure eliminates him making incisions in the patient’s abdomen to perform the surgery. vNote benefits include:

• Shorter hospital stay

• No scars

• Less post operative pain

• Faster recovery time.

• Return to daily routine in no time

Robotic surgery

It is important to note, Quezada is a trail blazer in robotic surgery. He became the first OB/ GYN robotic surgeon in the state of Texas in 2005 when FDA approved the da Vinci robotic system for gynecology. The da Vinci Surgical System has been used to perform a wide variety of gynecological surgeries. In addition, he frequently performs gynecological surgical procedures that most physicians in the east Texas region do not perform.

Furthermore, Dr. Quezada offers women in Longview and East Texas region, an extensive array of gynecological services, including:

• Bone density scans

• Breast Examination

• Contraception and family planning

• Evaluation for Incontinence

• Infertility evaluation

• Menopause symptom management

• Cervical cancer screening

• Pelvic examinations

• Reproductive organ cancer screenings

• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

• Evaluation for urinary incontinence and bladder problems

• Weight management: fullrange approach, including diet and medication

• Well-woman annual exams

• Bioidentical hormone therapy

• Colposcopy (device that allows a magnified view of the cervix, vagina, and vulva)

• Endometriosis treatment

• Hysterectomy

• Hysteroscopy (camera inserted into the vagina to examine the uterus)

• Robotic-assisted surgeries

• Tubal ligation reversals

• Uterine fibroid treatment

• Vaginal prolapse repair

• Vaginal rejuvenation or

• pelvic reconstruction

Additionally, he offers comprehensive obstetrics services including:

• Normal and high-risk pregnancies with focus on education

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester.

• Postpartum

• Family-oriented births

• High Risk Obstetrics

• Advanced maternal age

• Gestational and pre-existing diabetes

• Preterm

• Recurrent Pregnancy loss

• Twins

• Hypertensive disorders (Chronic Hypertension, Preeclampsia)

• Thrombophilic Disorders

• Antepartum testing

• Detailed anatomy scans

• Fetal heart monitoring

• Biophysical profile

• Vaginal and Cesarean birth

(C-section) including motherfriendly cesarean deliveries

Moreover, Dr. Quezada has the expertise and experience in helping couples get pregnant thus, he does infertility evaluations. Even more, he treats patients with urinary incontinence and vaginal rejuvenation.

Quezada is a native of Laredo, Texas; lived in San Antoni, Texas and is a San Antonio Spurs fan. He is a devoted husband, father, brother and friend. He and his wife have grown children giving him much more time to dote on his adoring wife, Christie. “I am madly in love with my wife,” he says. “I cannot be who I am without her. The couple are members of a local nondenominational church.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and joined the PreMed Honor Society. Following this further, he attended the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio with a full scholarship from the Navy, earning his Doctor of Medicine degree. While still in medical school, he established the Military Medical Honor Society before joining the Navy and completing a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the San Diego-based Naval Medical Center in 2003.

Quezada served a total of sixteen years in the Navy, being stationed at various points of call in Europe, Asia, and all across America, and rising to the rank of lieutenant commander. He now heals as a civilian.

His litany of qualifications and accolades are numerous. He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology

(ACOG,) a past member of the Texas Medical Association, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bexar County Medical Society, and the Mexican American Hispanic Physicians Association. While with ACOG, he served as treasurer for Section V, District XI, representing San Antonio in women’s health.

Again, Quezada is boardcertified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, worked as Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the naval hospital in Bremerton, Washington; where he was also adjunct faculty for the Family Medicine Program. Similarly, he served as adjunct faculty at Christus Santa Rosa Family Medical Center in San

Antonio, and for the Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at University Hospital in San Antonio. Besides, he earned many awards and recognitions along with his professional memberships. He is a member of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, and the Ameri can Institute of Ultrasound Medicine. He maintains his certification with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Quezada’s ability to speak English, Spanish and Italian is another blessing for his patients. For more information and/or to schedule an appointment please call (903) 753-7658. Please feel free to visit https://www. drcarlosequezada.com/to read more about hi Dr. Quezada.