Fibroids Removal Through Laparoscopic Surgery!

Disorders Cure

oi-Denise Baptiste

By Denise Baptiste

Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 11:02

For the first time in Asia, there is now a method to treat the common problem of fibroids, without surgery. Fibroids are simple tumours of the womb which occur in 15 – 20% of women. They cause many different problems like heavy bleeding, painful menses, infertility, repeated miscarriages or heaviness in lower abdomen and pressure on surrounding areas.

Till now, fibroids could only be treated by operation – either an open one or keyhole or laparoscopic surgery but now with the introduction of the MRI guided focussed ultrasound (MRgFUS) in Mumbai for the first time- there is an alternative. Treatment of fibroids can now be done without surgery hospitalization and anaesthesia. The procedure is done under MRI guidance, takes 1 – 2 hours and most fibroids can be comfortably treated. Sometimes, for large fibroids 2 – 3 sittings may be required. This technique uses heat energy to stop the blood going to the fibroid and hence causes it to reduce in size.

As the MRI is a very accurate technique, the fibroid is properly localized and a fine beam of ultrasound waves is focussed on the fibroid raising temperature within it so as to cause necrosis. Continuous monitoring of the temperature within the fibroid is done so as to get best results. According to Dr. Rishma Pai, consultant gynaecologist, Jaslok hospital, Mumbai, “This is a path breaking, non invasive technology which is a major boon for the treatment of fibroids". The patient has no pain during or after the procedure. She is able to go home the same day and can resume work the next day. Soon after the MRI, the patient"s symptoms improve and gradually the fibroid reduces in size.

Patients who are high risk for surgery or those who are scared to undergo an operation, can now walk in, treat their fibroids and walk out without an operation.The womb (uterus) is preserved and so is fertility, that is, the patient 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. Of course the age old method of opening the abdomen for removal of fibroids is still commonly practiced. However, most of the fibroids can be removed by the new method of keyhole or buttonhole (laparoscopic) surgery. By this method a telescope is put into the stomach through a very small cut on the stomach wall.

This telescope has a camera attached to it and the entire operation is done by watching it on a TV screen. The surgery is cosmetic as there is no large scar. Furthermore the patient has to stay in hospital only for 2-3 days and has less pain.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.