File photo. Image used for illustrative purposes.
Published date: Monday, July 22, 2024 at 8:18 AM
Last updated: Monday, July 22, 2024 at 8:55 AM
Hospitals in the UAE are now treating uterine fibroids with a new technique that eliminates the need for surgery. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which gradually shrinks fibroids without surgery or serious side effects, is available at Al Qasimi Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Sharjah.
Traditional methods of treating uterine fibroids include myomectomy (removal of the fibroids) and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). In contrast, RFA is less invasive and does not require surgery, resulting in fewer complications and a shorter recovery time.
Uterine fibroids are tumors that form in the wall of the uterus. Symptoms include excessive menstrual or intermenstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, back pain, and difficulty becoming pregnant.
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The hospital, which is part of Emirates Health Services (EHS), used the technology to treat eight patients with health problems related to uterine fibroids, including bleeding and pain.
Dr Muna Khalfan Sabut, head of the hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology department, said the technique has shown “high effectiveness and safety” in treating women with uterine fibroids without the need for surgical removal. “Women who undergo this treatment can be discharged the same day and resume normal activities within about five days.”
Dr Shalini Malhotra, consultant obstetrics and gynaecologist and robotic gynaecological surgeon at the hospital, told Khaleej Times that the radiofrequency energy generates heat which reduces the size of fibroids and relieves symptoms such as menorrhagia and pelvic pain after the surgery.
She cited the case of a 30-year-old patient treated at the hospital who had visited the emergency department with severe anemia due to uterine fibroids that had caused her period to last longer.
“She had to receive blood pack transfusions to improve her overall condition. However, because she had heart disease and a previous thromboembolism, she was at high risk for undergoing surgery (both robotic and open surgery) to remove the fibroids from her uterus. Radiofrequency ablation was offered to treat the fibroids causing the bleeding, and she underwent the procedure.”
Possible Side Effects
Mild cramping and discomfort immediately after the procedure is common but usually resolves with painkillers. “Some women may experience vaginal discharge, including irregular bleeding, for a few days. Other reported side effects are extremely rare,” says Dr. Malhotra.
Because uterine fibroids occur in younger women who are at risk of recurrence and need future treatment, non-surgical techniques such as RFA should be “strongly considered” and “surgery should be the last option.”
“The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the size and number of fibroids, symptoms, fertility and patient preference,” Dr Malhotra added.
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