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

Today surgery does not necessarily require a full elimination of the uterus, though, in extraordinary instances a hysterectomy is the only accessible option. Other types of directed or laparoscopic surgery might 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 couldn't support a viable pregnancy.

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

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

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is definitely an advanced diagnostic technology which supplies 3D imaging of internal organs without radiation. The MR guided FUS treatment uses the MR images to recognize where the fibroid is and what portion continues to be treated, without the need for any incisions. Additionally, it provides real time feedback about temperature changes from 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 that will help you relax. You lie on a patient table and therefore are made comfortable before beginning treatment. The treatment happens with you lying on the patient table inside the MR scanner. Your clinical team come in the next room with two-way communication using a microphone and a speaker. A doctor will inform you when images are being acquired (scanning) and when the system is sonicating (treatment).

First, the doctor identifies the fibroid(s) on MR images taken of your pelvic region. Then, after detailed planning, high energy focused ultrasound waves heat a little 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 a very small volume, this process will be repeated before required volume is treated. The process lasts about 2-3 hours based upon the size and number of fibroids treated.

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

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

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

If you require treatment for your fibroid related symptoms, but want to avoid surgery and preserve your uterus, talk to your doctor, who will ask you questions 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 physician will decide if you are a candidate for MRg FUS uterine fibroid treatment.