In this non-invasive surgical technique, the fibroid is heated and shrunk under anaesthetic and ultrasound guidance.
«Fibroids can be tiny or as big as a football and weigh several kilos.»
Dr Hansjörg Huemer, Head of Gynaecology
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17. June 2022
Fibroids can be as big as a football.
Myomas are benign tumours of the uterus. Dr Hansjörg Huemer explains in Schweizer Illustrierte when an operation is necessary and how the tumours can be treated gently thanks to the latest technology. (Article published in Schweizer Illustrierte from June 2022).
Fibroids are not uncommon. On the contrary.
Around one in three women of reproductive age is affected. It is a benign tumour in or on the uterus in which the muscle cells grow in a nodular form. The reason for the growth is not only a genetic predisposition but also the sex hormone oestrogen. "Because their growth is linked to hormone levels, they usually recede during the menopause," explains Dr Hans med. Dr Hansjörg Huemer, MD. Depending on its size and nature, a fibroid causes different symptoms - in the best case, none at all. For this reason, many women don't realise that they have any. "Fibroids can be tiny or as big as a football and weigh several kilos." As a rule, there is no need for action if the patient has no symptoms.
Dr Hansjörg Huemer, Head of Gynaecology
Around a quarter of all those affected suffer from the symptoms
They manifest themselves through heavy menstrual bleeding, cycle disorders, infertility or abdominal pain when the fibroid grows or twists. Depending on their size, they can also press on neighbouring organs such as the bladder or kidneys. This can result in constipation, an increased urge to urinate or pelvic and back pain. Anyone with symptoms should see a gynaecologist. "However, many women wait too long and instead struggle with even more pain and bleeding," says Dr Huemer. If the fibroid continues to grow, the symptoms can worsen and become chronic. If it is located in the neck of the uterus, it can also lead to complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
While small fibroids were previously treated with medication, patients with larger ones had to go under the knife.
In most cases, this is no longer necessary. Sonata, an incision- and scar-free method for removing fibroids that also preserves the uterus, promises to provide a remedy. This non-invasive surgical technique is currently only performed in specialised centres and is currently considered to be the gentlest procedure for the surgical removal of fibroids. In this technique, the gynaecologist inserts a narrow probe into the uterus via the vagina. The probe emits ultrasound waves to determine the exact position of the benign tumour. The tissue lump is then heated in a targeted manner using radio frequency waves. This process only takes a few minutes per fibroid. "The heating causes it to shrink over the following weeks, which leads to a noticeable alleviation of symptoms," explains the expert. "Experience has shown that bleeding disorders and therefore pain are reduced by 90 per cent after three months." Apart from the anaesthetic, the treatment has nothing in common with traditional surgery because patients do not lose any blood. Two days after the procedure, they can usually leave the hospital and return to their everyday lives.
The Sonata method is revolutionary.
Many women fear that they will no longer be able to get pregnant after fibroid treatment. According to the latest information, this is rather unlikely with the Sonata method: there are more and more reports from patients who experienced a problem-free pregnancy and birth after the non-invasive procedure. "Both the lining of the uterus and the uterine wall are better protected than with traditional surgical procedures." This is why this method is a good alternative for women who wish to have children.
CHECK for the Sonata method
Patients in whom the fibroids are firmly attached to the uterine wall and are not connected to the uterus via a stalk benefit most from the treatment.
The method is not only relatively simple and gentle, it also leaves no scars because an abdominal incision is not necessary. After around two days of inpatient treatment, the patient can leave the hospital and get back on her feet.
There are a few exceptions where Sonata does not work. For example, if the fibroids are on the outside of the uterus.
With the Sonata method, the fibroid in the uterus is heated and shrunk using a probe.
(shutterstock)
Focus on gynaecology at Bethesda Hospital
Gynaecology is a core competence of Bethesda Hospital. Experienced doctors in our in-house clinics and accredited attending physicians are at your side. From consultations and personal counselling to complex treatment, we are there for you and treat your concerns attentively and with respect.