For the first time in Asia, there is now a method to treat the common problem of fibroids in uterus without surgery. Fibroids are tumours of the womb which occur in 15 to 20 per cent of women. It causes several problems, including heavy bleeding, painful menses, infertility, repeated miscarriages or heaviness in lower abdomen and pressure on surrounding areas. Currently, Jaslok Hospital in the city is the only place where the MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is available.
Till now, fibroids could only be treated by operation — either an open one or keyhole or laparoscopic surgery. However, now there is an alternative with the introduction of the MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for the first time in Mumbai. Treatment of fibroids can now be done without surgery, hospitalisation and anaesthesia. The procedure done under MRI guidance takes one to two hours and most fibroids can be comfortably treated. Sometimes, for large fibroids two to three sittings may be required.
Dr Rishma Pai, consultant gynaecologist, Jaslok Hospital, said, “This is a path-breaking, non invasive technology, which is a major boon. The patient won’t experience any pain during or after the procedure. She can go home the same day and can resume work the next day. Patients, who are a high risk for surgery or those who are scared to undergo an operation, can walk in, treat their fibroids and walk out without an operation. The uterus is preserved and so is fertility, i.e. the patients can safely have children in the future if they want. The procedure has a very low risk of complications and hence is a simple, safe and effective treatment for fibroids.”
The MRgFUS uses heat energy to stop the blood going to the fibroid and thus causes it to reduce in size.
The age-old method of opening the abdomen for removal of fibroids is still commonly practised. However, most of the fibroids can be removed by the new method of keyhole or buttonhole (laparoscopic) surgery.
Talking about the cost and effectiveness of the MRgFUS, Dr Pai said, “We have tried to keep it in the same range as the conventional method. The cost of the procedure would be in the range of `7,000 to `8,000, and it may vary according to the number of sittings required. However, the result for the MRgFUS has so far been excellent.”