For women experiencing uterine fibroids, a modern solution is now available without open surgery. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri as a non-invasive method capable of destroying fibroids without incisions and with minimal pain.
This technology is explained directly by Gracia Merryane R.G Rauw, Sp.OG, an obstetrician and gynecologist who performs HIFU procedures at the hospital.
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What Is HIFU Technology?
HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-invasive technology that uses high-intensity sound waves to heat and precisely destroy fibroid tissue.
According to dr. Gracia: “HIFU is a non-invasive technology that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to heat and destroy fibroid tissue without incisions, without radiation, and without removing the uterus.”
Unlike conventional surgery, this procedure does not require open surgery, does not create external wounds, and does not use radiation. The uterus is preserved, making it suitable for patients who still wish to conceive.
How Does HIFU Work?
dr. Gracia compares the mechanism of HIFU to a magnifying glass focusing sunlight onto a single point until it can burn paper. “The HIFU machine works like a magnifying glass that focuses energy on one precise point until it can destroy fibroid tissue.”
High-intensity ultrasound waves are directed accurately at the fibroid. The focused energy generates heat strong enough to damage and destroy fibroid tissue without harming the surrounding healthy tissue.
Importantly, this technology can be used for various fibroid sizes, whether small or large, without specific size limitations.
How Is the HIFU Procedure Performed?
The HIFU procedure involves the following steps:
- The patient lies in a prone position (face down).
- Ultrasound waves are emitted from a device located beneath the patient’s body.
- The doctor determines the exact fibroid location using the imaging system on the machine.
- The sound waves are precisely focused on the fibroid area for destruction.
During the procedure, the patient receives mild anesthesia in the form of sedation to remain comfortable. However, the patient remains conscious and can communicate with the doctor and assisting nurse throughout the procedure.
After the procedure, there are no visible scars. Generally, patients are allowed to go home approximately one day after treatment.
Advantages of HIFU for Fibroid Treatment
Some of the key advantages of HIFU technology include:
- No surgical incisions
- Minimal pain
- No radiation
- No need for uterine removal
- Very low bleeding risk
- Faster recovery
- Quicker return to daily activities
dr. Gracia emphasizes: “This method is safe because it minimizes bleeding and allows patients to recover faster and return to their activities sooner.”
With this non-invasive approach, patients do not need to worry about open-surgery complications such as wound infections or significant bleeding.
HIFU and Pregnancy Opportunities
HIFU has been widely used abroad, including in Chongqing, China, where the technology has been implemented for more than 10 years with positive outcomes.
In some cases, patients who previously had difficulty conceiving due to fibroids obstructing the reproductive pathway were able to achieve pregnancy after their fibroids were destroyed using HIFU.
Because the uterus is preserved and there are no incisions, this procedure is an attractive option for women of reproductive age who wish to maintain fertility.
Profile and Practice Schedule of dr. Gracia at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
dr. Gracia Merryane R.G Rauw, Sp.OG, is an obstetrician and gynecologist with expertise in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and various gynecological conditions. She completed her medical and specialist training at the Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University.
In her practice, dr. Gracia provides comprehensive services, including routine gynecological examinations, pregnancy planning programs, lactation consultations, family planning (contraception) counseling, ovulation induction, normal delivery and cesarean section, as well as gynecological procedures such as hysterectomy, sterilization, laparoscopy, Pap smear, saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS), and LEEP procedures.
dr. Gracia Merryane R.G Rauw, Sp.OG practices at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri with the following schedule:
dr. Gracia practices at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri from Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, until Saturday, with two consultation sessions each day:
- Morning session: 08.00 – 11.00 WIB
- Afternoon session: 13.00 – 18.00 WIB
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