International Patient Enquiries |
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Treatment for Fibroids
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 Fibroids are benign tumours of the uterus. They are the most common gynaecological tumours in women, affecting at least 20 percent of women above 35 years old. Uterine fibroids can affect quality of life. They can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, constipation and a distended stomach.
Previously, women chose between invasive surgeries such as hysterectomy (removal of uterus), myomectomy (removal of the fibroids) or the non-invasive option of hormonal therapy to treat this problem. However, hormonal therapy offers only temporary relief of symptoms and often, fibroids grow back when therapy is stopped. |
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What is MR-guided Focused Ultrasound Ablation
MR-guided Focused Ultrasound Ablation is the latest non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids. This treatment uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with high intensity focused ultrasound to target and heat an area of the fibroid, destroying the non- cancerous masses. This is done without the need for anaesthesia, incisions and hospitalisation. Patients will be required to undergo an MRI scan to assess their suitability for the treatment.
All the patient needs to do is to lie on her stomach within the MRI scanner. The MRI machine allows the attending doctor to see inside the body to locate the fibroid to evaluate and to monitor the treatment progress. Individual pulses of the ultrasound energy each lasting about 20 seconds will be applied until the doctor is satisfied with the treatment.
The patient is conscious throughout the 3-4 hour procedure and able to communicate with the doctor at all times. Some patients may experience lower abdomen discomfort for a few days. Most women are able to return to work within 1-2 days. And, up to 90% of the patients have shown significant improvement in their symptoms after the procedure. |
Who it is for
Women who have symptomatic fibroids are most likely to benefit from this treatment.
Not all women with fibroids can be treated with MRI guided focused ultrasound. The suitable candidates are those who :
- Are pre-menopausal.
- Do not have any metallic implants such as heart or ear implants. These objects are affected by the high magnetic field strength from the MRI scanner and may malfunction.
- Do not have any surgical scars on the abdomen or pelvis. These scars can interfere with the transmission of ultrasound, and can potentially cause burns.
- Have fibroids that must be suitable for the treatment in terms of size, location and number.
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Our treatment centre
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) |
The KKH Advantage
Only in the Region
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| The only treatment centre in Southeast Asia to perform this procedure. The other two countries in Asia where this treatment is available are Japan and South Korea. |
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Latest Technology
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| We are equipped with a new 1.5T MRI scanner and the ablation is performed using the latest version of focused ultrasound equipment. |
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Positive Outcome and Cost effective option
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| Since our first treatment in June 2006, almost all patients who have undergone this procedure were treated and discharged on the same day. |
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Specialised Centre
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| Our hospital specialises in obstetrics and gynaecology, and is well equipped in the management of gynaecological conditions. |
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Comprehensive Care
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| We have a joint clinic that is run by a gynaecologist and radiologist. They will assess and provide information on the patient’s suitability to undergo the procedure. |
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Call our 24-hr hotline:
+65 6326 5656 |
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