Now, fibroids can be removed without scalpel

Women suffering from uterine fibroids, a common gynaecological problem, need not go through painful surgery any more. 

Recently, Jaslok Hospital introduced GE Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (MRgFUS) — which treats uterine fibroids using high intensity ultrasound waves to non-invasively destroy benign tumours of the uterus. 

The procedure involves no hospitalisation or anaesthesia. “The MRgFUS treatment has absolutely no side-effects and the patient can return to work the following day. It is very cost-effective — alternative to hysterectomy or removal of uterus. It removes fibroids without damaging surrounding tissues. Thus fertility, conception and ability to bear a child are not affected,” said Dr Rishma Dhillon Pai, consultant gynaecologist, Jaslok Hospital.

In MrgFUS treatment, fine beam of ultrasound waves are focussed on the fibroid, raising the temperature within it such that the blood flow to it is restricted, causing the fibroids to eventually ‘burn’.
Presently, the most common treatment for fibroids is hysterectomy, a surgical procedure. The package is usually priced at up to Rs1.5 lakh, while the new procedure is likely to cost half the amount.   

Most fibroids are non-cancerous and symptoms include heavy menses, painful sexual intercourse, backache, constipation or frequent urination.

However, the MrgFUS has its own limitations. Dr Rakesh Sinha, president of indian Association of Gynaecological Endoscopists, said, “MrgFUS successfully treats a single fibroid of length not more than 10cm. The fibroid should be in the convenient location for the ultra sound waves to reach and the patient should not have undergone any previous surgery. It is also difficult to get fibroids for biopsy. MrgFUS is good for unmarried women and patients who are unfit for surgery.”