New treatment for uterine fibroids

The unveiled procedure is an ultrasound therapy that employs the guidance of MRI to locate the benign tumors.

Uterine fibroid is the most common obstetric and gynecological affliction seen amongst women of childbearing age and occur in up to 40 percent of the female demographic, noted university officials.

Liu Wei-ming, head of OB/GYN in the TMU affiliated hospital, said the latest treatment is non-invasive and relies on a state-of-the-art instrument.

The surgery requires magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and thermometry during the operation to zero in on fibroids and uses a focused therapeutic ultrasound to deliver thermal energy to the targeted site, added Liu.

The ultrasound therapy will ablate tissue and sever blood supply to the growth, which should shrink in size thereafter and alleviate symptoms, according to reports.

The high-intensity focused ultrasound is a more effective treatment option than traditional hysterectomies and myomectomies, and a step above uterine fibroid embolization, which still requires a small incision, said Liu.

TMU hospital said early results have shown a high satisfaction rate among patients.

In the past 5 months, the hospital has completed 12 such operations and observed four cases over a period of three months.

TMU officials said that one of the patients that underwent surgery had previously suffered from a fibroid with a diameter of 10 centimeters.

The tumor, although benign, had been pressing against her bladder, causing discomfort and the need to run to the restroom three to four times during sleep.

After completion of the procedure, the woman's condition had significantly ameliorated, remarked Liu.

Liu added that the non-invasive intervention is more suitable for minor cases of smaller fibroids, with diameters between three to eight centimeters in length.

Those that have more than three or four tumors, a fibroid too big or too small in size, or growth within the uterus are advised to consider other medical treatments.

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