Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the muscular wall of the uterus. This condition is quite common among women of reproductive age and can cause a variety of disturbing symptoms, such as very heavy menstrual bleeding, pain or cramps in the lower abdomen, a feeling of fullness or abdominal enlargement, frequent urination, and difficulty getting pregnant in some cases.
Traditionally, fibroid treatment has been performed through conventional therapies such as hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus), myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids), or hormonal therapy. Hysterectomy is known to carry about a 10% risk of significant complications. Meanwhile, myomectomy can preserve the uterus, but it still carries the risk of fibroid recurrence, the development of new fibroids, or symptoms that may not completely improve.
Today, a more minimally invasive alternative treatment is available, known as High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Ablation. This technology uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy fibroid tissue without surgery and without incisions. HIFU technology is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri as one of the modern treatment options for patients with uterine fibroids.
Contents
What Is HIFU?
HIFU is a modern therapeutic technology that uses high-energy ultrasound waves to target fibroid tissue with very high precision. These waves are focused on a small point within the fibroid tissue, generating controlled heat at temperatures of around 60–90°C. This heat can damage and destroy fibroid cells without the need for surgical intervention. Because the energy is directed specifically to the targeted area, the surrounding healthy tissue can remain protected.
After the fibroid cells are destroyed, the tissue is not removed through surgery. Instead, the body gradually absorbs it naturally over several weeks to approximately 90 days. HIFU procedures offer several advantages, such as no incisions, no surgical wounds, and no radiation exposure. This technology has been used in 37 countries with more than 500,000 patients, making it one of the widely applied non-invasive treatment methods worldwide.
How HIFU Works to Treat Uterine Fibroids
The following are the steps of how HIFU works to treat uterine fibroids using sound waves without surgery:
- Ultrasound waves are focused very precisely on a small point in the fibroid tissue with millimeter-level accuracy.
- The concentrated ultrasound energy then converts into high heat with temperatures around 60–90°C.
- This heat triggers protein coagulation in the fibroid tissue and causes cell death (necrosis).
- The damaged fibroid cells are not surgically removed but are gradually broken down and absorbed by the body over several weeks to about 90 days.
Benefits of HIFU in Treating Uterine Fibroids
Some benefits of HIFU therapy in treating uterine fibroids include:
- Non-invasive, so recovery is usually faster compared to surgery
- Requires only sedation, without general anesthesia
- Fibroid shrinkage can reduce uterine size, potentially improving chances of pregnancy
- Studies show a success rate of up to 85% in reducing symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
- Patients may begin planning pregnancy around 3–4 months after the procedure
- Patients may still have the opportunity for normal vaginal delivery, as the procedure does not leave scars on the uterus
Clinical Evidence on the Effectiveness of HIFU for Uterine Fibroids
1. Symptom Improvement
Various studies from China, Korea, and Europe have shown that HIFU therapy can significantly reduce fibroid size. On average, fibroid volume can decrease by around 60% within 3 months after the procedure. As fibroids shrink, symptoms such as menstrual pain or excessive bleeding may also decrease, leading to improved quality of life for patients.
A study involving 20 medical centers in China also compared HIFU therapy with myomectomy and hysterectomy surgery. The results showed that the short-term outcomes of HIFU were better than surgery, and patients’ quality of life after one year was comparable to, or even better than, surgical treatment.
Another study from a medical center in Korea showed consistent results. In this study, the average fibroid size decreased by about 58% after 3 months, 66% after 6 months, and 77% after 12 months following therapy. Additionally, the severity of fibroid symptoms significantly decreased, while patients’ quality of life scores improved during the same period.
2. Pregnancy Opportunities
Several studies have also found that patients who undergo HIFU therapy for uterine fibroids still have the opportunity to achieve full-term pregnancies. In these studies, complications during childbirth and postpartum were reported to be relatively low.
3. Immune System Function
Research suggests that patients’ immune system function tends to be better preserved after HIFU therapy compared to surgical procedures. This is likely because HIFU does not cause as much tissue trauma as surgery, which may reduce the risk of complications after the procedure.
4. Sexual Function
Some studies have also reported improvements in patients’ sexual function after undergoing HIFU therapy. Similar improvements have been observed in patients undergoing myomectomy surgery, but HIFU offers the advantage of not requiring surgical incisions.
Fibroid and HIFU Specialists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
In addition to offering HIFU technology for non-surgical fibroid treatment, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is supported by an experienced team of obstetrics and gynecology specialists. These doctors have undergone intensive HIFU training in China, enabling them to provide appropriate treatment tailored to each patient’s medical condition. The combination of advanced technology and experienced medical expertise allows fibroid treatment to be performed in a more comprehensive and safe manner.
The following doctors are part of the fibroid and HIFU specialist team at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
1. dr. Gracia Merryane R.G Rauw, Sp.OG
dr. Gracia Merryane R.G Rauw, Sp.OG is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist focusing on women’s reproductive health, pregnancy monitoring, and the treatment of various gynecological disorders, including uterine fibroids. She completed both her medical and specialist education at the Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University.
In her daily practice, dr. Gracia provides comprehensive women’s health services, including routine examinations, fertility programs, lactation consultations, and family planning services. She also performs procedures such as ovulation induction, normal delivery, cesarean section, and gynecological procedures including hysterectomy, sterilization, laparoscopy, Pap smear, saline infusion sonography (SIS), and LEEP.
dr. Gracia Merryane R.G Rauw, Sp.OG practices at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on the following schedule:
- Monday: 08.00 – 11.00 WIB & 13.00 – 18.00 WIB
- Tuesday: 08.00 – 11.00 WIB & 13.00 – 18.00 WIB
- Wednesday: 08.00 – 11.00 WIB & 13.00 – 18.00 WIB
- Thursday: 08.00 – 11.00 WIB & 13.00 – 18.00 WIB
- Friday: 08.00 – 11.00 WIB & 13.00 – 18.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 11.00 WIB & 13.00 – 18.00 WIB
2. dr. Doddy F.P. Gultom, Sp.OG (K), M.Kes
dr. Doddy F.P. Gultom, Sp.OG (K), M.Kes is a consultant obstetrics and gynecology specialist with extensive experience in reproductive health and gynecological disorders. He completed his medical education at Trisakti University, continued his specialist training at Hasanuddin University, and obtained his consultant degree from the University of Indonesia.
His services include preconception care, prenatal diagnosis, fetal imaging examinations, contraception consultations, and management of pregnancy complications. He also has experience in treating various benign gynecological disorders and performing minimally invasive procedures as needed.
dr. Doddy F.P. Gultom, Sp.OG (K), M.Kes practices at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on the following schedule:
- Tuesday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Thursday: 13.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
3. Dr. dr. Unedo Hence Markus Sihombing, Sp.OG, Subsp. Onk
Dr. dr. Unedo Hence Markus Sihombing is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with a subspecialty in gynecologic oncology. He completed his medical education at Sriwijaya University and Sebelas Maret University, and later earned his consultant and doctoral degrees at the University of Indonesia.
As a gynecologic oncology consultant, he treats various cancers of the female reproductive organs, including cervical cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, vulvar cancer, and vaginal cancer. In addition to cancer treatment, he also manages benign gynecological conditions such as uterine polyps and tumors, including fibroids, with a systematic and comprehensive medical approach.
Dr. dr. Unedo Hence Markus Sihombing, Sp.OG, Subsp. Onk practices at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on the following schedule:
- Tuesday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Thursday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Saturday: 13.00 – 16.00 WIB
4. dr. Edward Tony Ngantung, Sp.OG
dr. Edward Tony Ngantung, Sp.OG is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist who provides comprehensive women’s health services, from pregnancy preparation to the management of gynecological disorders. He completed his medical education at Sam Ratulangi University, continued his specialist training at San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation, and later participated in an obstetrics and gynecology adaptation program at Udayana University.
His expertise includes preconception care, prenatal diagnosis, ultrasound and fetal imaging, contraception consultations, and management of pregnancy complications. He also treats various benign gynecological disorders and performs minimally invasive procedures based on medical indications.
dr. Edward Tony Ngantung, Sp.OG practices at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on the following schedule:
- Monday: 14.00 – 16.30 WIB
- Tuesday: 11.00 – 14.00 WIB
- Wednesday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Thursday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Friday: 10.00 – 14.00 WIB
- Saturday: 09.00 – 13.00 WIB
5. dr. Erik Sutandi, Sp.OG
dr. Erik Sutandi, Sp.OG is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist who manages various aspects of women’s reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal disorders, and uterine fibroids. He completed his medical degree at Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, then pursued specialist training at San Juan De Dios Hospital, Manila, Philippines. His experience was further strengthened through an Obgyn residency adaptation program at Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar and a fellowship in reproductive gynecologic endoscopy and fertility.
The services he provides include pregnancy consultations, fertility programs, ovulation induction and delivery, curettage procedures, cesarean section, fertility examinations, hormonal evaluations, TORCH testing, pregnancy and transvaginal ultrasound, prenatal testing, contraception, Pap smear, HPV vaccination, and various other gynecological procedures.
dr. Erik Sutandi, Sp.OG practices at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on the following schedule:
- Monday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Wednesday: 14.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Friday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Saturday: 14.00 – 16.00 WIB
6. dr. Rahmadsyah, Sp.OG(K)FER, M.Kes, MARS
dr. Rahmadsyah is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with a subspecialty as a fertility consultant, focusing on fertility services and pregnancy programs. He completed his medical education at the Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, then continued his obstetrics and gynecology specialist training and earned a Master of Health degree at Hasanuddin University. He also obtained a Master of Hospital Administration from the University of Indonesia.
His expertise includes fertility evaluation, hormonal examinations, ovulation induction, hydrotubation, and IVF programs. In addition to fertility services, he also manages pregnancy examinations, normal delivery and cesarean sections, ectopic pregnancy, curettage procedures, contraceptive services such as IUD, injections, and implants, Pap smear, HPV vaccination, and various ultrasound services including 4D ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound.
dr. Rahmadsyah, Sp.OG(K)FER, M.Kes, MARS practices at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on the following schedule:
- Monday: 13.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Tuesday: 13.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Wednesday: 13.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Thursday: 13.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Friday: 13.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Saturday: 13.00 – 16.00 WIB
7. dr. Sigit Pradono Diptoadi, Sp.OG
dr. Sigit Pradono Diptoadi is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist who graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, Atma Jaya Catholic University. He then continued his residency training at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, University of the East, where he gained extensive clinical experience in obstetrics and gynecology.
He has experience in fertility programs, ovulation induction, pregnancy monitoring, and labor induction. In addition, dr. Sigit is also competent in performing 4D ultrasound examinations and providing consultations for various gynecological conditions to help patients maintain reproductive health and plan pregnancies more effectively.
dr. Sigit Pradono Diptoadi, Sp.OG practices at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on the following schedule:
- Monday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Friday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Saturday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
To make your visit easier, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter application, which can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access other complete information.
