Uterine fibroids are benign tumours that develop in the uterus and affect a large proportion of women of reproductive age. Although most fibroids do not cause symptoms, some can cause pain, heavy bleeding and fertility problems. Traditionally, the treatment for fibroids has been surgery, but at Malavé Institute, located in Malaga, we offer a non-surgical alternative.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are solid masses of muscle tissue that grow in the wall of the uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as large as a watermelon. Although benign, they can cause a number of health problems, including pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term.
Traditional Treatment: Surgery
Historically, the most common treatment for fibroids has been surgery, specifically myomectomy and hysterectomy, when there is no desire to keep the uterus. Myomectomy involves removal of the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, myomectomy can be performed by open surgery (laparotomy, laparoscopy or hysteroscopy). Hysterectomy involves the complete removal of the uterus. Although these procedures can be effective, they also carry risks and complications, including prolonged recovery time in some cases.
Our Alternative: Treatment Without Surgery
At the Malavé Institute, we offer an alternative to surgery for the treatment of uterine fibroids. We use a technique called RADIOFREQUENCY FIBROID ABLATION. This minimally invasive procedure is based on increasing the temperature of the fibroid between 60 and 90 degrees causing the denaturation of the fibroid proteins and achieving a decrease in the size and symptoms associated with it.
Vaginal access allows the technique to be performed on an outpatient basis under general or loco-regional anaesthesia.
Radiofrequency ablation of fibroids achieves an average reduction in fibroid volume of 80% at one year with complete disappearance of the fibroid in 50% of cases in fibroids with a volume of less than 40 cc. Myoma-associated menstrual bleeding decreases by an average of 50% after 12 months.
The procedure can be complemented before and after with other medical (Relugolix, GnrH analogues) or surgical (hysteroscopy) treatments to facilitate or complete myoma resection.
It is an outpatient procedure, which means that patients can go home the same day. In addition, recovery is quick and very painless. Perhaps most importantly, it allows women to keep their uterus without scarring, which can be especially valuable for those who wish to have children in the future.
Indications
- Symptomatic FIGO type 0 to 4 fibroids that cannot be approached by hysteroscopy or are highly complex with another technique.
- Fibroids no larger than 6 cm.
- Maximum 3 treatable fibroids in the uterus.
- Patients who do not want other medical or surgical treatment or in which they have failed.
- Patients with symptomatic fibroids in whom general anaesthesia or high surgical morbidity is contraindicated.
At Instituto Malavé, we are committed to our patients to provide them with the best treatment options in all situations. If you have been diagnosed with fibroids and are looking for an alternative to surgery, we invite you to contact us to learn more about radiofrequency fibroid ablation. Our team of experts is here to help you make the treatment decision that's best for you.
