This is a new non invasive treatment option for uterine fibroids. MRgFUS/HIFU uses high-intensity focused ultrasound beams as an energy source to heat and destroy the fibroid tissue, leaving the surrounding tissues intact. It is also used to treat uterine adenomyosis.
The benefits include no surgery, no radiation, no scar, no anaesthesia, quicker recovery and more precise image guided treatment.
PROCEDURE
Pelvic MRI scan is performed prior to the procedure to see the exact location and size of the tumour and to plan the treatment.
It does not require anaesthesia. The patient is made to lie on their back or tummy, on the MRGFUS table inside MRI scanner.While the MRI monitors the targeted fibroid and surrounding structures, the ultrasound transducer focuses sound waves into the fibroid to heat the tissue upto 65 degree Celsius. It coagulates and thus destroys small areas of fibroid tissue, termed as sonication.
DURATION
The procedure time takes approximately 3 hours on an average, depending on the size and the number of fibroids. Each exposure of focused ultrasound (sonication) ablates a small area in the tumor and multiple sonications are required to ablate the entire tumor.
Usually fibroids upto 6cm in size can be treated in one sitting. Multiple small fibroids upto 4 to 5 number and not more than 3 to 4cm in size can be treated in one sitting.
Multiple treatments may be required for large tumors.
RECOVERY
Patient is able to return to work and normal activity the next day. She can experience relief from her symptoms by the next menstrual cycle, and the treated fibroid gradually shrinks in size over the next few months.
RISKS
- Abdominal skin burn
- Damage to tissues and structures near the fibroid
- Back or leg pain
- Blood clots in legs (deep vein thrombosis)