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.
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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. Doddy F.P. Gultom, Sp.OG (K), M.Kes
dr. Doddy F.P. Gultom, Sp.OG (K), M.Kes is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist with extensive experience in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and complex gynecological conditions. He earned his medical degree from Trisakti University, completed his specialist training at Hasanuddin University, and obtained his consultant qualification from the University of Indonesia.
His services include preconception counseling, fetal assessment during pregnancy, contraceptive consultations, and management of pregnancy-related complications. dr. Doddy is also experienced in treating various benign gynecological disorders and performing minimally invasive procedures that help promote faster recovery.
dr. Doddy F.P. Gultom, Sp.OG (K), M.Kes can be found at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Tuesday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Thursday: 13.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
2. dr. Edward Tony Ngantung, Sp.OG
dr. Edward Tony Ngantung, Sp.OG is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist who provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services for women. His practice covers fertility planning, pregnancy monitoring, and the management of a wide range of gynecological conditions.
His expertise includes ultrasound examinations, prenatal diagnosis, contraceptive counseling, and the management of pregnancy-related complications. He completed his medical education at Sam Ratulangi University, followed by specialist training at San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation and an Obstetrics and Gynecology adaptation program at Udayana University.
dr. Edward Tony Ngantung, Sp.OG can be found at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- 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
3. dr. Erik Sutandi, Sp.OG
dr. Erik Sutandi, Sp.OG is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with expertise in women’s reproductive health, fertility care, pregnancy management, and gynecological disorders. He has extensive experience in helping patients with fertility concerns, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy care, and childbirth.
He earned his medical degree from Maranatha Christian University in Bandung and completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology specialty training at San Juan De Dios Hospital in Manila, Philippines. He further enhanced his expertise through a residency adaptation program at Sanglah General Hospital and a fellowship in reproductive gynecologic endoscopy and fertility.
dr. Erik Sutandi, Sp.OG can be found at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Monday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Wednesday: 14.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Friday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Saturday: 14.00 – 16.00 WIB
4. dr. Gracia Merryane R.G. Rauw, Sp.OG
dr. Gracia Merryane R.G. Rauw, Sp.OG is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with expertise in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and the management of various reproductive system disorders. She completed both her medical degree and Obstetrics & Gynecology specialist training at the Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University.
In her clinical practice, dr. Gracia provides a wide range of women’s health services, including routine gynecological examinations, fertility planning, and obstetric and gynecological procedures. Her services include lactation consultations, family planning consultations, ovulation induction, labor induction, cesarean delivery, hysterectomy, laparoscopy, sterilization procedures, Pap smears, Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS), and LEEP procedures for cervical abnormalities.
dr. Gracia Merryane R.G. Rauw, Sp.OG can be found 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
5. dr. Rahmadsyah, Sp.OG(K)FER, M.Kes, MARS
dr. Rahmadsyah, Sp.OG(K)FER, M.Kes, MARS is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology. His practice focuses on fertility evaluations, pregnancy programs, and assisted reproductive technologies to help couples achieve pregnancy.
He completed his medical education at Padjadjaran University, followed by specialist training and a Master of Health degree at Hasanuddin University. He later earned a Master of Hospital Administration from the University of Indonesia.
dr. Rahmadsyah, Sp.OG(K)FER, M.Kes, MARS can be found at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- 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
6. dr. Sigit Pradono Diptoadi, Sp.OG
dr. Sigit Pradono Diptoadi, Sp.OG is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist experienced in supporting patients throughout their fertility journey, pregnancy, and childbirth. He also treats a variety of gynecological conditions with personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
He completed his medical education at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia and pursued his Obstetrics and Gynecology specialty training at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, University of the East.
dr. Sigit Pradono Diptoadi, Sp.OG can be found at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Monday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Friday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Saturday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
7. Dr. dr. Unedo Hence Markus Sihombing, Sp.OG, Subsp. Onk
Dr. dr. Unedo Hence Markus Sihombing, Sp.OG, Subsp. Onk is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a subspecialty in Gynecologic Oncology. He specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers affecting the female reproductive system, including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vulvar cancer, and vaginal cancer.
In addition to treating gynecologic cancers, Dr. Unedo is experienced in managing benign gynecological conditions such as uterine polyps and tumors. He completed his medical education at Sriwijaya University and Sebelas Maret University before pursuing subspecialty training in Gynecologic Oncology and earning a doctoral degree from the University of Indonesia. His approach focuses on comprehensive, well-planned, and patient-centered care.
Dr. dr. Unedo Hence Markus Sihombing, Sp.OG, Subsp. Onk can be found at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Tuesday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Thursday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Saturday: 13.00 – 16.00 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.
