Are you navigating Life with Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis? St. Luke's offers a Cutting-Edge Non-Surgical Solution

Uterine fibroids (or myomas) and adenomyosis are common realities for women during their reproductive years. These non-cancerous growths are the most common benign tumors developing in or around the uterus. While the term "tumor" can sound alarming, it's important to note that they are not cancerous and very rarely pose a risk of becoming malignant. 

What Are Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis?

Fibroids or myomas are benign growths that arise from the smooth muscles of the uterus.  Adenomyosis is also a benign growth that is formed from the tissues of the uterine lining and grows abnormally in the muscle layer of the uterus.  Both myomas and adenomyosis may cause patients to have heavy vaginal bleeding, severe dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps, and in many cases, infertility.  It can vary widely in size and number. You might have a single lesion, or you could have several. Some lesions are so small that they can't be seen with the naked eye, while others can grow to the size of a grapefruit or even larger, potentially distorting the uterus.

In some cases, fibroids and adenomyosis can become large enough to fill the pelvis or abdominal area, causing a noticeable bulge that can be mistaken for pregnancy. Despite their prevalence, many people may not even know they have myomas and adenomyosis. That's because they sometimes don't cause any symptoms and will just be discovered during routine pelvic exams or ultrasounds, fertility work-ups, or sometimes during pregnancy.

 

Advanced Treatment at St. Luke's Medical Center

St. Luke's Medical Center-Global City, always ahead of the curve in pioneering healthcare, introduces the Philippines' first-ever facility specializing in High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. This offers another option for our patients for myoma and adenomyosis treatment. HIFU uses an extracorporeal focused ultrasound beam to generate heat, precisely destroying solid tumors—like fibroids or adenomyosis, while leaving surrounding tissues unharmed.

 

For individuals who have been diagnosed with fibroids or adenomyosis, HIFU offers several key advantages:

Non-surgical procedure: Unlike traditional surgery, HIFU doesn't require any incisions, which means no scars and a more comfortable experience for you.

Minimal recovery time: Patients typically return to their normal activities within just a few days, compared to the weeks or even months of recovery needed after traditional surgery.

Low risk of complications: Since it is a non-invasive procedure, the risks of surgical complications and blood loss are avoided.

Precision targeting: HIFU uses real-time ultrasound to accurately target and destroy fibroid tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissues.

Outpatient treatment: Many patients can have the procedure done and go home the same day.

 

And here's the cherry on top—for those looking to expand their families, you can try to get pregnant just three months after the procedure. Normal vaginal delivery can also be possible after HIFU treatment.

 

Dr. Ramon De Vera, Head of the HIFU Unit at St. Luke' s-Global City, emphasizes the technology's transformative potential: "HIFU technology will revolutionize the treatment of our patients with uterine myoma, adenomyosis, pancreatic and liver tumors. It is a better alternative for patients who do not want surgery and those who are not in good physical condition for conventional surgical treatment."

Before undergoing HIFU, patients at St. Luke's Medical Center receive a comprehensive examination to determine their eligibility for the procedure. This examination includes a review of the patient's medical history, physical examination, ultrasound, and a HIFU assessment and screening procedure. Our HIFU specialists conduct thorough pre-, intra-, and post-procedural discussions, ensuring every patient feels informed and supported throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Sandee Go, Assistant Head of the HIFU Unit, assures that the procedure is relatively safe. While HIFU is generally well-tolerated, there are potential side effects like skin burns, vaginal bleeding, urinary retention, and intestinal or nerve injuries. However, these can be prevented by a thorough screening process. Our experts use advanced ultrasound and MRI imaging fusion during the procedure to target the lesions precisely.

HIFU is adenomyosis and myoma treatment without surgery and is done as an outpatient procedure. With minimal discomfort and a quick recovery time, HIFU allows patients to return to their normal lives just after 3 to 4 days of rest—far sooner than the typical 30 to 60 days required after traditional surgery. This gives patients the relief of a faster recovery.

To learn more about St. Luke's Medical Center-Global City's HIFU services, including the cost of the procedure, or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with our Product Information Hub at 0919-057-7744, 0998-534-2768, 0928-520-0239, or 0947-993-0471 (call), 0919-160-7744 (text), or email [email protected].

 

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