Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. Although they are non-cancerous, fibroids can cause various symptoms that affect a woman’s quality of life, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, pain during sexual intercourse, constipation, and fertility problems in some women. However, many women with fibroids experience no symptoms, and the condition is often discovered incidentally during a medical examination or ultrasound.
As medical technology continues to advance, treating uterine fibroids no longer always requires surgery. One of the innovative treatments available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), a non-invasive procedure that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy fibroid tissue without making any incisions.
Recently, dr. Febriyan Nicolas Kengsiswoyo, Sp.OG, M.Kes, FESICOG, FEIICOG, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, successfully performed HIFU treatment on a patient with two uterine fibroids measuring approximately 3 cm and 1 cm. The results were highly encouraging, with approximately 90% of the fibroid tissue successfully ablated, demonstrating that HIFU can be an effective non-surgical alternative for treating uterine fibroids.
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What Is HIFU for Uterine Fibroids?
HIFU is a technology that uses focused high-intensity ultrasound waves to heat and destroy targeted tissue, such as uterine fibroids, without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.
The procedure is typically performed under the guidance of ultrasound or MRI imaging to accurately target the fibroid. HIFU does not require incisions, lasers, or radiation.
In gynecology, HIFU has become one of the non-surgical treatment options for uterine fibroids. This technology ablates fibroid tissue, allowing the fibroids to gradually shrink or even disappear over time without requiring surgical removal.
A study published in the journal High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) in Uterine Fibroid Treatment: Review Study concluded that HIFU is an effective and safe treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. The researchers also stated that HIFU is an excellent treatment option for uterine fibroids, although further studies are still needed to compare it with other treatment methods.
HIFU Successfully Ablated 90% of Two Fibroids Measuring 3 cm and 1 cm in Just One Hour
Before the procedure, the patient underwent a thorough evaluation to determine whether the location and characteristics of the fibroids were suitable for HIFU treatment.
According to dr. Febriyan, the examination confirmed that both fibroids met the criteria for HIFU treatment.
“We found two fibroids measuring approximately 3 cm. We performed HIFU to determine whether their location was suitable for HIFU treatment. The results showed that this patient was an excellent candidate for HIFU.”
The treatment outcome even exceeded the initial expectations.
“Today, we achieved better results than we expected. Initially, we hoped to ablate around 70% of the fibroid tissue, but today we successfully achieved a 90% ablation.”
This patient was diagnosed with multiple uterine fibroids, meaning there was more than one fibroid present in the uterus. The entire ablation procedure for both fibroids was completed in approximately 61 minutes.
“The ablation procedure for these two relatively large fibroids, measuring 3 cm and 1 cm, was completed in just 61 minutes. Our hope is that the fibroids will shrink or even disappear over time.”
Following the procedure, the patient will continue with routine follow-up visits to monitor the response of the fibroids to HIFU treatment.
“To monitor the treatment outcome, we need follow-up evaluations after the first month and again after three months.”
Benefits of HIFU for Treating Uterine Fibroids
Some of the key advantages of HIFU for uterine fibroid treatment include:
- No surgery: HIFU is a non-invasive procedure that requires no incisions, reducing the risk of infection and surgical complications.
- Radiation-free: The procedure uses high-intensity ultrasound waves instead of radiation to destroy fibroid tissue.
- No general anesthesia required: HIFU is typically performed under mild sedation or pain medication, eliminating the need for general anesthesia.
- Helps preserve the uterus: HIFU precisely targets fibroid tissue while preserving healthy uterine tissue, making it an option for women who wish to maintain their fertility.
- Faster recovery: Since there are no surgical incisions, patients generally recover more quickly and can resume their daily activities sooner.
When Should You See a Doctor About Uterine Fibroids?
Small fibroids often do not cause symptoms and may only require regular monitoring by a healthcare provider. However, if fibroids enlarge or begin causing symptoms, you should consult an obstetrician and gynecologist.
Symptoms that may indicate uterine fibroids include:
- Heavy or painful menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- A feeling of fullness, pressure, or bloating in the lower abdomen
- Frequent urination caused by pressure on the bladder
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower back pain
- Constipation or pressure on the rectum
- Persistent (chronic) vaginal discharge
- Difficulty urinating or feeling unable to completely empty the bladder
- An enlarged abdomen that may resemble pregnancy
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, especially if they interfere with your daily activities or become progressively worse, consult an obstetrician and gynecologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help determine the most appropriate therapy, including whether your fibroids are suitable for non-surgical treatment with HIFU.
Profile of dr. Febriyan Nicolas and His Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
dr. Febriyan Nicolas Kengsiswoyo, Sp.OG, M.Kes, FESICOG, FEIICOG is an obstetrician and gynecologist at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital with expertise in managing a wide range of women’s reproductive health conditions, from gynecological disorders and fertility treatment to minimally invasive procedures such as HIFU for uterine fibroids.
His areas of expertise include:
- Antenatal care
- Various delivery methods, including Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Surgery (ERACS)
- Treatment of ovarian and gynecological cysts
- Detection and treatment of benign gynecological tumors, including uterine fibroids
- Management of menstrual and hormonal disorders
- Infertility treatment and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
If you would like to consult dr. Febriyan Nicolas Kengsiswoyo, Sp.OG, M.Kes, FESICOG, FEIICOG, his practice schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is as follows:
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri more convenient, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter application, available on Google Play and the App Store, to schedule appointments, check queue numbers, and access additional information.
The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and as general information only. It does not represent the full range of medical services that may be provided by each physician. To receive treatment tailored to your specific health condition, please consult the relevant doctor directly.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or require further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Uterine Fibroids. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9130-uterine-fibroids). Last revised January 28, 2025. Accessed July 6, 2026.
- Mayo Clinic. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/high-intensity-focused-ultrasound/about/pac-20596150). Accessed July 6, 2026.
- Cheung, V. Y. T. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) in Uterine Fibroid Treatment: Review Study. Journal of Therapeutic Ultrasound. 2014. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4218899/). Accessed July 6, 2026.