An option for treating uterine fibroids

I have always wondered why remove whole uterus when fiboids are only benign. This review paper discusses new technology, Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) in treating such condition.


Uterine fibroids are common smooth muscle tumors, which can result in substantial symptoms affecting the quality of life of women. Whereas patients have several options available for treatment, focused ultrasound ablation is one of the least invasive treatment options outside medical therapy.
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) ablation combines therapy delivered by an ultrasound transducer with imaging, guidance for therapy, and thermal feedback provided by magnetic resonance imaging. In 2004, the MRgFUS system ExAblate 2000 (InSightec, Haifa, Israel) was approved by the FDA for clinical treatments of uterine fibroids.
This paper published in Ultrasound Quarterly provides an overview of clinical experience with MRgFUS, including a brief description of the treatment system, pertinent features to review on screening magnetic resonance imaging, how the procedure is performed, and risks and benefits of the treatment.