uterine fibroid treatment

The current choices for treatment of uterine fibroids mainly involve surgery.

Uterine fibroid treatment

Today surgery doesn't necessarily require a full removal of the uterus, though, in extreme cases a hysterectomy is the only available option. Other types of directed or laparoscopic surgery may be able to remove the discomforting fibroids while saving the uterus. However, these procedures are still somewhat invasive and risk damaging the uterus to a point where the patient could not support a viable pregnancy.



MR guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (MRgFUS) is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure which uses high doses of focused ultrasound waves (HIFU) to eliminate uterine fibroids, without affecting any of the other tissues around the fibroid. The procedure is conducted in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner which will help the physician "see" inside the body to pinpoint, guide, and continuously monitor the treatment.



Imagine using a magnifier to focus the sun's energy on a single point to create a flame to burn a leaf. The focused ultrasound energy is fond of a small volume of the fibroid, raising its temperature sufficient to cause thermal ablation (killing from the cells) without impacting other tissues. Pulses of one's are repeated before entire volume is treated.



Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic technology which supplies 3D imaging of internal organs without radiation. The MR guided FUS treatment uses the MR images to identify where the fibroid is and what portion has been treated, without the need for any incisions. Additionally, it provides real time feedback about temperature changes of the treated fibroid to make sure that the fibrotic tissue continues to be ablated (destroyed).



Before treatment you are given a sedative and pain medication to help you relax. You lie on the patient table and are made comfortable before starting treatment. The treatment takes place with you lying on the patient table within the MR scanner. Your clinical team come in the next room with two-way communication using a microphone and a speaker. The doctor will inform you when images are now being acquired (scanning) so when the system is sonicating (treatment).



First, the doctor identifies the fibroid(s) on MR images taken of the pelvic region. Then, after detailed planning, high energy focused ultrasound waves heat a small spot in the uterine fibroid to a temperature of up to 85oC. Throughout the pulse or sonication, which lasts about 15 seconds, the doctor monitors the progress and reviews temperature-sensitive images. Since each sonication treats an extremely small volume, this method will be repeated until the required volume is treated. The procedure lasts about 2-3 hours based upon the size and quantity of fibroids treated.



During the uterine fibroids treatment, it is normal to feel a warming sensation in the pelvic region. You will be given a security stop button that allows you to immediately stop the sonication if the treatment becomes painful.



You are conscious the entire time and supply feedback during the procedure towards the physician. Afterwards you'll be asked to rest for a few hours in the clinic, as the mild sedation wears off. Then you will be able to go home and resume normal activity.



Following the treatment the body gradually removes the treated tissue over a period of months, providing symptom relief.



If you require strategy to your fibroid related symptoms, but wish to avoid surgery and preserve your uterus, talk to your doctor, who will particulars about your fibroid symptoms, overall health and medical history. Additionally, you will have routine blood work, an interior gynecological examination and MR imaging of your fibroids. Based on this information your doctor will decide if you are a candidate for MRg FUS uterine fibroid treatment.