Services
Our centre provides comprehensive, one-stop specialist obstetrics and gynaecology services. Led by an experienced medical team and equipped with advanced imaging and minimally invasive surgical facilities, we are dedicated to providing the most reassuring healthcare for women at every stage of life.
Specialized Management of Uterine Fibroids & Adenomyosis: Non-invasive HIFU Treatment
Clinical Assessment of Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumours composed of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. According to clinical statistics, approximately 70% to 80% of women may develop uterine fibroids during their lifetime. The vast majority of uterine fibroids are benign (with a malignancy rate of less than 0.5%), but they still require diligent monitoring through regular imaging scans.
Risk Factor Analysis
Common Clinical Symptoms
While some women may not experience obvious signs in the early stages, early specialist assessment is highly recommended if the following occur:
- Persistent feeling of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen
- Abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding
- Persistent backache
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Discomfort caused by pelvic pressure
- Increased urinary frequency
- Impact on fertility or increased risk of miscarriage (associated with specific types of fibroids)
Fibroid Types and Clinical Manifestations
- Intramural Fibroids: Growing within the muscular wall of the uterus, these account for about 60% to 70% of cases.
- Subserosal Fibroids: Projecting outwards from the surface of the uterus; larger ones may exert pressure on surrounding organs.
- Submucosal Fibroids: Protruding into the uterine cavity, these are highly likely to trigger heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Pedunculated Fibroids: Attached to the uterus by a stalk-like tissue; if torsion (twisting) occurs, it can cause severe, acute abdominal pain.
Diagnosis and Care of Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial cells, which should normally line the uterine cavity, embed deep into the muscular layer of the uterus and bleed with the menstrual cycle. Any woman who has menstrual cycles can potentially be affected.
High-Risk Factors:
- A family history of endometriosis.
- Women who have never given birth.
- Menarche (first period) before the age of 11, or menstrual cycles shorter than 27 days.
Common Clinical Symptoms
Adenomyosis can significantly impact daily life. Common physical warning signs include:
- Severe abdominal cramps during menstruation
- Back pain (often worsening during periods)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Impact on fertility
Fertility Assessment and Medical Advice
Certain types of fibroids (such as submucosal fibroids) may occupy space within the uterine cavity, hindering the chances of conception or increasing the risk of miscarriage. Clinical data also indicates that adenomyosis can negatively impact pregnancy success rates. Through appropriate, targeted professional treatment (such as HIFU), the uterine environment can be significantly improved, thereby enhancing your overall chances of a successful pregnancy.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Non-Invasive Treatment Technology
"HIFU" is an advanced non-invasive surgical technique. Its core principle is to precisely focus extracorporeal ultrasound energy onto targeted tissue deep within the body, causing coagulative necrosis in the specific lesion. The necrotic tissue is subsequently absorbed naturally by the body over time. The entire process is meticulously designed to avoid damaging surrounding normal tissues and organs.
Comparison of Gynaecological Surgical Options
| Comparison Item | Hysterectomy (Uterus Removal) | Traditional / Minimally Invasive Myomectomy | HIFU Non-Invasive Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Scarring | Yes | Yes | No |
| Uterine Wound | – | Yes | No |
| Fertility Preservation | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hospital Stay | 4 to 7 Days | 4 to 7 Days | Day Surgery |
| Recovery Period | 4 to 6 Weeks | 4 to 6 Weeks | Approx. 3 Days |
Clinical Care and Surgical Process
Stage 1: Pre-operative Assessment
- Specialist Consultation: A thorough review of your personal medical history followed by an initial ultrasound screening.
- MRI Scan: Utilising Magnetic Resonance Imaging to precisely localise the lesion and assess tissue characteristics.
- Positioning Test: Ensuring the HIFU beam can accurately target the specific treatment area safely.
Stage 2: Treatment Procedure
- Monitored Anaesthesia: Administered by professional anaesthetists to ensure a completely comfortable and relaxed experience.
- Precise Ablation: Targeted lesion ablation safely guided by real-time ultrasound imaging.
- Post-operative Observation: Patients will undergo brief observation at our centre and can generally return home to rest just 6 hours after the procedure.
Evaluation of Local Clinical Research Results
According to local clinical research data involving 20 women who underwent HIFU treatment, fibroid volume demonstrated highly significant improvement post-treatment: