Can Uterine Fibroids Be Treated Without Removing the Uterus? Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri Has the Solution

Uterine fibroids are growths made of muscle and connective tissue that develop in or on the wall of the uterus. They are common among women and are generally benign, meaning they are not cancerous.

Although they are usually noncancerous, uterine fibroids can cause symptoms that interfere with daily activities. These may include pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and irregular vaginal bleeding. Symptoms can vary depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids.

One treatment option for uterine fibroids that does not require surgical incisions is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. This procedure uses high-intensity sound waves focused on fibroid tissue to damage it. Therefore, HIFU may be an alternative for patients who want to treat their fibroids without undergoing a hysterectomy, provided the treatment is suitable based on the doctor’s evaluation.

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Understanding HIFU Technology for Treating Fibroids Without Removing the Uterus

In certain cases, uterine fibroids may require a hysterectomy, or surgical removal of the uterus, particularly when they cause severe symptoms or other treatments have not produced the expected results. However, hysterectomy is not the only treatment option. Patients may consider alternatives such as HIFU, depending on their individual medical condition.

HIFU is a medical procedure that uses ultrasound waves to treat targeted tissue without requiring surgical incisions. Because it does not involve conventional surgery, this procedure is considered noninvasive.

How HIFU Works to Treat Uterine Fibroids

Unlike conventional ultrasound, which is used to create images of internal organs, HIFU uses sound-wave energy to damage the tissue targeted for treatment. The process works as follows:

Focusing sound waves on fibroid tissue. Ultrasound waves are directed and concentrated on the fibroid area that requires treatment. This mechanism is similar to using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight on a single point.
Increasing the temperature of the targeted tissue. Concentrated sound-wave energy raises the temperature of the fibroid tissue, causing tissue damage through a process called ablation.
Minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. Sound waves can pass through other tissue layers, such as the skin, before reaching the targeted tissue. This helps limit the treatment’s effects to the intended area.
Using imaging guidance. Doctors may use ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide the procedure and monitor the treatment process.

Through this mechanism, HIFU may be an option for treating uterine fibroids without removing the uterus. However, not all fibroids are suitable for this method. Doctors need to consider the size and location of the fibroids, the patient’s symptoms, and their overall health before determining the most appropriate treatment.

Benefits of HIFU for Treating Fibroids Without Removing the Uterus

HIFU offers several potential benefits that patients may consider when choosing a treatment for uterine fibroids. These include:

No surgical incisions required. HIFU is a noninvasive procedure that does not require incisions in the body. The technology also does not use ionizing radiation.
Targets fibroid tissue specifically. Ultrasound waves are focused on the targeted tissue, helping minimize effects on the surrounding healthy tissue.
Relatively short recovery time. HIFU can generally be performed as an outpatient procedure. Some patients may be able to return to work or resume daily activities within a few days, depending on their individual condition.

These benefits make HIFU a potential alternative for treating uterine fibroids without surgically removing the uterus. However, this method is not suitable for every patient. Medical evaluation and consultation with a doctor are necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment based on the fibroids and the patient’s needs.

Don’t Ignore These Often-Overlooked Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids do not always cause symptoms. As a result, some women may not realize they have fibroids until they undergo a medical examination. When symptoms occur, they can vary depending on the size and location of the fibroids.

The following are some uterine fibroid symptoms to watch for:

Heavy or painful periods. Fibroids can cause heavier menstrual bleeding or menstrual cramps that interfere with daily activities.
Abdominal and lower back pain. Some women may experience pain or discomfort in the abdomen or lower back.
Frequent urination. Fibroids that press against the bladder may cause more frequent urination, a sudden urge to urinate, or difficulty controlling urination. For more information, read our article on frequent urination.
Bowel problems. Pressure from fibroids on nearby organs can cause bloating, constipation, or pain during bowel movements.
Pain during sexual intercourse. Some women may experience pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, depending on the size and location of the fibroids.
Difficulty becoming pregnant. In certain cases, fibroids can affect fertility or increase the risk of pregnancy complications, particularly if they distort the uterine cavity.

If you experience these symptoms, especially heavy menstrual bleeding or recurring pain, consult an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB-GYN). Examinations, including ultrasound, can help detect fibroids and determine the appropriate treatment.

Are Uterine Fibroids Dangerous if Left Untreated?

Uterine fibroids are generally benign. However, they still require attention because they can cause complications in some patients, particularly when they lead to excessive bleeding or put pressure on nearby organs.

Potential complications of uterine fibroids include:

Iron-deficiency anemia. Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to significant blood loss, reducing hemoglobin and iron levels in the body.
Urinary tract problems. Large fibroids can press against the bladder, causing difficulty urinating, difficulty holding urine, or an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
Fertility and pregnancy complications. In certain cases, fibroids can make it more difficult to become pregnant or increase the risk of miscarriage. These risks depend on the size, number, and location of the fibroids.

Nevertheless, not all fibroids require immediate medical treatment. Fibroids that do not cause symptoms may only need regular monitoring by a doctor. Conversely, fibroids that cause heavy bleeding, pain, or problems affecting nearby organs should be evaluated to determine the appropriate treatment.

Facilities for Out-of-Town and International Patients at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri

Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides a range of support facilities to ensure greater comfort for patients traveling from other cities or from abroad:

VIP transportation: Pickup services from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, train stations, or seaports to the hospital in comfortable vehicles, accompanied by a Patient Experience Officer (PEO).
Medical ambulance pickup: Specialized pickup services for patients with specific medical needs from arrival points, including airports, train stations, and seaports. These services include medical equipment and assistance from professional healthcare personnel.
Accommodation (Sleep Hub and apartments): Comfortable accommodation for families accompanying patients, located on the eighth floor of the Mandaya Royal Puri building, as well as nearby apartment options.
International Patient Relations: Dedicated assistance for international patients, including medical coordination, interpretation, and administrative support. For information and assistance, contact International Patient Relations at 021 5092 8888 or email [email protected].

To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri easier, use the WhatsApp chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app, available for download on Google Play and the App Store. These options help you arrange visits, check queue numbers, and access other useful information.

The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general reference. It does not represent the full range of medical services that each doctor may provide. To determine the most appropriate treatment for your health condition, we recommend consulting the relevant doctor directly.

If you have questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.