Uterine fibroids often leave patients facing the possibility of surgery, and in some cases even hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) if the fibroids are large or cause significant symptoms. However, advances in medical technology now provide more minimally invasive treatment alternatives. One of them is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), a therapy capable of destroying fibroid tissue without incisions or surgery.
This technology is now available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri and allows patients to treat fibroids while preserving their uterus. The benefits of this technology have been directly experienced by a patient from Klaten, Mrs. Elli, who successfully treated fibroids measuring 3 cm and 6 cm without undergoing hysterectomy.
For Mrs. Elli, HIFU therapy became the option that best suited her condition. Through this method, she was able to maintain her body’s natural functions as a woman without facing early menopause, which can occur after the uterus is removed. “This is the best decision for me because I want to experience menopause naturally. My rights should not be taken away by anyone,” said Mrs. Elli.
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Fibroid Symptoms That Began to Interfere with Daily Activities
Mrs. Elli had actually known about her fibroids since 2014. At that time, the fibroids were still small and did not cause significant symptoms. However, in recent months, the condition began to change and the symptoms started to interfere with her daily activities.
She explained: “I first found out I had fibroids in 2014. But in the last semester, the symptoms started to appear. I had difficulty with bowel movements, frequent bloating, and discomfort around the bladder area.”
After undergoing further examinations, one of the treatment options suggested by doctors was hysterectomy. For many women, this is not an easy decision to accept. “When women hear about hysterectomy, it naturally brings fear. Removing the uterus isn’t just a simple procedure with no consequences, because our bodies rely on hormones, and the effects can impact many aspects of health.”
Because of this, Mrs. Elli and her family began searching for other treatment options that could address the fibroids without removing the uterus.
Discovering Non-Surgical HIFU Therapy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Family support played an important role in encouraging Mrs. Elli to keep searching for safer treatment alternatives. Her children even helped gather information about the latest medical technologies that could serve as potential treatment options.
She recalled their encouragement: “Our children also supported us. They said, ‘Mom, there’s a new technology that can remove fibroids without removing the uterus.’”
They searched for information across several cities, including Solo, Semarang, and Yogyakarta. Eventually, they found the technology they were looking for at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
The method is HIFU, a technology that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy fibroid tissue. The procedure is performed without open surgery or any incisions on the patient’s body.
With this method, patients can preserve their uterus while also avoiding the risk of early menopause that may occur after hysterectomy.
Experience Undergoing the HIFU Procedure at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
During the HIFU procedure, the patient lies on a treatment table while the doctor determines the fibroid’s location using medical imaging technology. Once the target point is precisely identified, ultrasound waves are directed at the fibroid tissue to gradually destroy it.
During the procedure, patients are usually given mild anesthesia to keep them comfortable. However, they remain conscious and can still communicate with the medical team throughout the treatment.
Mrs. Elli also shared her experience undergoing the procedure with dr. Gracia Merryane R.G. Rauw, Sp.OG: “I didn’t feel severe pain during the procedure.”
Because the procedure does not involve any incisions, patients also do not experience surgical wounds on the outside of the body.
Patient Condition After HIFU Treatment
After undergoing the HIFU procedure, one of the most noticeable benefits for Mrs. Elli was the ability to return to daily activities quickly. Since there were no surgical wounds, there was no need for prolonged wound care during recovery.
She said: “The best part is that after the procedure, I could return to my normal activities because I didn’t have any external wounds to take care of.”
According to her, choosing HIFU was the right decision because it allowed her to maintain the body’s natural process as a woman. “This is the best decision for me because I want to experience menopause naturally. My rights should not be taken away by anyone.”
Advances in medical technology such as HIFU now provide more treatment options for patients with fibroids. The availability of this technology at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers new hope for women who want to treat fibroids without undergoing hysterectomy.
Profile, Expertise, and Practice Schedule of dr. Gracia at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
dr. Gracia Merryane R.G. Rauw, Sp.OG is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist who focuses on women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and various gynecological conditions, including uterine fibroids. She manages a wide range of conditions related to the female reproductive system, from routine health examinations to more complex medical treatments.
She completed both her general medical and specialist education at the Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University. With this background, dr. Gracia has expertise in managing women’s health conditions comprehensively.
In her clinical practice, she provides a variety of services including routine women’s health check-ups, pregnancy planning programs, lactation consultations, family planning (contraception) services, and ovulation induction. She also handles normal deliveries and cesarean sections, as well as various gynecological procedures such as hysterectomy, sterilization, laparoscopy, Pap smear, saline infusion sonography (SIS), and LEEP.
dr. Gracia Merryane R.G. Rauw, Sp.OG is available for consultation at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- 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
To make your visit easier, you can use WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter mobile application available on Google Play and the App Store to check queue numbers and obtain further information.
