MRT-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS)

Non-invasive treatment for shrinking the fibroids in the uterus. This involves the patient lying with her abdomen over a sound source which directs high-frequency sound waves to certain points of the fibroid giving a similar sensation to that of a burning glass. This focus produces heat (60-90 degrees) that is substantial enough to cause the fibroid tissue to desiccate and to be partially removed by the body's own immune system or the active fibroid tissue will be replaced by an inactive connective tissue.

Advantages:

The uterus remains completely intact, no scars form, no anesthetic is required, no ionizing radiation is used, the procedure is pain-less and involves outpatient treatment, the patient quickly returns to their normal everyday life within 1-2 days, it is a mild form of treatment with few risks involved.

Disadvantages:

As is the case with all organ transplant therapy, it is possible that new fibroids may develop in the parts of the uterus that do not receive treatment or that untreated parts of a fibroid grow back. The focused ultrasound can only be applied to fibroids that are conveniently positioned.