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.

 

Original Publication Date: 8/22/2006
Last Modified: 08/17/2009
Principal Authors: Dixie Mills, MD
& Marcy Holmes, Certified Menopause Clinician