Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop on the uterus. They are usually harmless and may not cause any symptoms, but in some cases, they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, pelvic pressure, and discomfort during sex.

Fibroids can also cause fertility issues, making it difficult for a woman to become pregnant.

In the past, the treatment for fibroids was limited to surgical removal of the growth or the uterus itself, but now, there is a new, non-invasive treatment available that is revolutionizing the way fibroids are treated – MR-guided focused ultrasound.

What is MR-guided focused ultrasound?

MR-guided focused ultrasound is a new, non-invasive treatment that uses high-frequency sound waves to destroy fibroids. It is a bloodless procedure that does not require any incisions, anesthesia, or hospitalization.

Instead, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and the patient can return home the same day.

During the procedure, the patient lies on a special table while an MRI machine provides real-time images of the uterus and fibroids. The ultrasound machine then delivers high-frequency sound waves to the fibroids, heating them up and destroying them.

The entire procedure takes about three hours, and the patient can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Advantages of MR-guided focused ultrasound

MR-guided focused ultrasound has several advantages over traditional fibroid treatments. First and foremost, it is a non-invasive, bloodless procedure that does not require any incisions, anesthesia, or hospitalization.

The patient can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Another advantage of MR-guided focused ultrasound is that it is highly accurate. The MRI machine provides real-time images of the uterus and fibroids, allowing the physician to precisely target the fibroids while avoiding damage to surrounding tissue.

This makes the procedure very effective and reduces the risk of complications.

Furthermore, MR-guided focused ultrasound is a very safe procedure. There is no radiation exposure, and the risk of infection is very low.

The only side effect is mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure, which can be managed with pain medication.

Who is a candidate for MR-guided focused ultrasound?

MR-guided focused ultrasound is a suitable treatment for women who have symptomatic fibroids and want to avoid surgery. However, not all women are candidates for the procedure.

Women who have very large fibroids, multiple fibroids, or fibroids that are located in difficult-to-reach areas of the uterus may not be suitable candidates for MR-guided focused ultrasound.

Before undergoing the procedure, the patient will undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if she is a suitable candidate for MR-guided focused ultrasound. This may include an ultrasound, MRI, or other imaging tests.

Risks and side effects of MR-guided focused ultrasound

The risks and side effects of MR-guided focused ultrasound are minimal. The procedure does not involve any incisions, so there is no risk of bleeding or infection.

The only side effect is mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure, which can be managed with pain medication. Some patients may experience cramping or spotting after the procedure, but these symptoms are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.

Conclusion

MR-guided focused ultrasound is a revolutionary, bloodless treatment for uterine fibroids that is changing the way fibroids are treated.

It is a non-invasive, highly accurate, and safe procedure that does not require any incisions, anesthesia, or hospitalization. If you have symptomatic fibroids and want to avoid surgery, talk to your doctor about the possibility of undergoing MR-guided focused ultrasound.