TREATMENT OF UTERINE FIBROIDS WITH HIFU

24 Aug 2023

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive technique that uses non-ionizing ultrasonic waves to heat or ablate tissues. HIFU does not remove fibroids, rather it kills them by coagulative necrosis Shrinkage and relief of symptoms.

Fibroids are benign lumps that grow in the uterus. They are the most prevalent benign tumors of the female pelvis. 70-809 of women below 50yrs will have fibroids. They range in size from seedlings (undetectable by the human eye) to bulky masses that can enlarge and distort the uterus, which can be single or multiple.

ADENOMYOSIS

It is a gynecological condition where the tissue lining the uterine cavity is seen within the uterine muscle. It commonly presents as severe menstrual pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Treatment of options for adenomyosis include:

1. surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
2. For women that still desire pregnancy, surgical removal of adenomyosis tissues (wedge resection); however, the procedure is challenging and sometimes disfigures the uterus
3. HIFU is a non-surgical option of treating adenomyosis. It improves symptoms, as well as preserves the uterus for future pregnancy.

Uterine Fibroids

• Small- less than 1 cm - 5 cm
• Medium- 5 cm - 10 cm
• Large- more than 10 cm

RISK FACTORS FOR UTERINE FIBROIDS

• Age
• Race
• Getting your period at a very young age
• Birth control use
• Being overweight
• Eating too much red meat and not enough green vegetables, fruits or dairy
• Alcohol
• Family history: Women who have a lst relative with fibroids are more likely to have it.

SYMPTOMS

• Many women are asymptomatic: incidental finding.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Prolonged menstrual periods usually for more than a week.
• Bleeding between periods
• Pelvic pressure or pain.
• Frequent Urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Backache or leg pains

BENEFITS OF HIGH-INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND (HIFU) IN TREATING UTERINE FIBROIDS

NON-INVASIVE
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound is a noninvasive treatment that eliminates the need for open surgery.

SHORT RECOVERY TIME
Recovery time is short, and patients can return to work and activities of normal life (Usually the next day).

NO BLOOD LOSS
With High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, there is no risk of blood loss, or damage to organs, and tissue.

LOW COMPLICATIONS
HIFU offers a low rate of complications, unlike other treatments available, the risk of complications resulting from blood loss, infections, injury to contagious organs or use of anaesthesia is minimal.

PRESERVES FERTILITY
It preserves fertility; women can conceive and have normal pregnancies after treatment.

Written by Fibroid Care Centre @ Nordica