Intermountain Health Physician Performs Nevada’s First Procedure for Treating Fibroids

(PRUnderground) December 5th, 2025

In a major advancement for women’s health in Nevada, a physician at Intermountain Health has performed the state’s first Sonata radiofrequency ablation to treat uterine fibroids, sparing the patient from major surgery, and providing new hope for Nevada women who have the common condition.

Sunwook “Sonnie” Kim, MD, Intermountain Health obstetrics and gynecology physician, successfully performed the procedure in 2025, marking the first time the minimally invasive, incision-free, procedure has been performed in Nevada.

“This is a game-changer for women in Nevada,” said Dr. Kim. “Now, patients no longer need to travel out of state to places to seek advanced fibroid care. We’re bringing world-class, minimally invasive options right here to patients in our community.”

Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscle tissue of the uterus. Uterine fibroids are a serious medical condition that are very common, affecting a significant number of women.

While some women experience no symptoms, others suffer from heavy or painful periods, pelvic pain, anemia, and complications such as infertility or pregnancy challenges, including miscarriage potentials.

Common symptoms of fibroids include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Painful periods
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Pain during intercourse
• Infertility or pregnancy complications

Treatment options have varied, depending on the severity of the fibroids.  Treatment options for symptomatic fibroids include medication, hormonal IUD, myomectomy (removal of only fibroids), uterine artery embolization, and hysterectomy not involving ovaries unless indicated.

Now, the Sonata procedure represents a major step forward in gynecologic care.

Unlike those traditional surgical options, Sonata is performed transvaginally with no external incisions, preserving the uterus and fertility options. Most patients experience minimal or no downtime and can return to normal activities quickly.

Nevada resident, Nefertiti Nesbit, came to Dr. Kim after an ultrasound found a single fibroid that was the size of an orange.

For Nesbit, it was the answer to major issues.

“It was not unsettling. It was a relief for me, I couldn’t feel it as I was not having pain,” said Nesbit, a 39-year-old from Las Vegas.

Nesbit had been dealing with debilitating heavy periods routinely for years and believed that was just how her body worked.

When they investigated the heavy periods finally, that led to the discovery for the fibroid and to Dr. Kim exploring all options to treat her symptomatic fibroids that negatively impacted her quality of life as a mother and a nurse

“Dr. Kim was very down-to-earth speaking to me. She shared all the information and gave me materials to take home and research. It was like talking to a friend,” Nesbit added.

She chose the Sonata option, shrinking fibroids from the inside with gentle heat.

Nesbit said she was in very little pain post-op that diminished rapidly and 24 hours later, she said she was continuing her life.

Those heavy periods disappeared within three cycles. Now, her menstrual cycles are normal and she’s happy they no longer cause havoc on her life.

Intermountain Health’s Women Health clinics in Nevada have been on the cutting edge of advancements of women’s care for many years, with Lamarr Tyler, MD, performing advanced surgical options, including vNotes (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery), for the state.

Dr. Kim has long been a pioneer in expanding access to advanced minimally invasive gynecologic procedures.

Her previous advancements include introducing robotic surgery in 2011 and vNotes in 2020.

Dr. Kim is recognized as a master robotic surgeon and a VNOTES faculty to teach other surgeons in the United States.

The growing number of referrals from other OB/GYN groups underscores the demand and momentum behind this new service.

“I treat my patients exactly the way that I want to be treated. With Intermountain Health, we ensure to have helpful informed conversations with patients and make sure they know that they are in control of their health,” said Dr. Kim. “Treatments should be individualized for each patient, depending on their symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. It is a team approach, and the patient is very valuable part of that team.”

Nesbit said that her experience can be a lesson for all women: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your body. You do not have to suffer.”

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit intermountainhealth.org.

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, over 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://news.intermountainhealth.org/. For more information, see intermountainhealth.org/ or call 801-442-2000.

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Original Press Release.