Hysterectomy & alternatives
MRI–guided ultrasound ablation for fibroids
MRI-guided high-intensity ultrasound (MRgFUS), also known as high–intensity
focused ultrasound (HIFU) is another newly developed noninvasive treatment modality
for uterine fibroids.
MRgFUS/HIFU uses high-intensity focused ultrasound beams as an energy source to
heat and destroy the fibroid tissue, leaving the surrounding tissues intact with
few reported side effects and minimal recovery time.
To date, MR-guided thermal ablation by focused ultrasound is reported to show limited
success in long-term resolution of fibroids. It remains in the investigational stages
and is currently available at only a few locations, generally as a self-pay procedure.
The FDA has approved one type of technology for this (ExAblate) as a premarket application,
for women who have completed childbearing.
Nonetheless, many women have reported good success with this technique as a noninvasive
alternative to hysterectomy.
Perhaps as time goes by MRI-guided ultrasound technology will be perfected and its
availability will become more widespread. In the meantime, if you are interested,
you may want to visit the Uterine-Fibroids.org
website for more information. Do be sure you seek treatment only at a center where
the providers are experienced in this technique.
Our Personal Program is a great place to start
The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements,
our exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional
phone consultations with our Nurse–Educators. It is a convenient, at-home
version of what we recommend to all our patients at the clinic.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to call us toll-free at
1-800-798-7902. We're here to listen and help.
Last Modified Date: 04/20/2011
Principal Authors: Dixie Mills, MD
& Marcy Holmes, Certified Menopause Clinician