Ultrasound as First Noninvasive Therapy for Fibroids

A study has found that high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can be a safe, noninvasive option to surgery for the treatment of fibroids. The findings were reported in the July 2003 issue of The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The new procedure combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with focused ultrasound. MRI is used to show doctors the exact location of the fibroid, while focused ultrasound eliminates the fibroid with high temperatures that heat the mass, cut off its blood supply, and then shrink it. With MRI, doctors can ensure that the correct amount of heat is delivered to the fibroid under direct visualization, preventing harm to surrounding tissue and outer layers of the skin.

The study involved 55 women, ranging in age from 38-55. Patients underwent multiple sonications with ultrasound for about two hours. Upon discharge, pain and discomfort were self-reported. Overall, the women recorded discomfort as low, and only 1% indicated they used pain medication after treatment.

"MRI-guided focused ultrasound, the first completely noninvasive therapy for fibroids, appears to provide targeted results with an excellent safety profile,” said Elizabeth Stewart, M.D., clinical director, Brigham and Women's Center for Uterine Fibroids (Boston, MA, USA; www.brighamandwomens.org). "Our next step will be to research how we can fully optimize this technology for the benefit of patients.”




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