High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Therapy for Uterine Fibroids & Adenomyosis | Uniclinic Frankfurt, Germany

9.90

Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Overview

Age group

Kids, Adults

Type of care

Outpatient

Method

Minimally invasive

About the offer

Our institute is among the first German clinics to provide treatment with the ultrasound-controlled HIFU system. HIFU therapy can also be used to treat uterine fibroids (benign growth of the uterine muscles) and adenomyosis (endometriosis of the uterus). HIFU is a new and very gentle treatment option for fibroids. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is the treatment method that concentrates high-frequency ultrasound waves onto a few millimeters of the affected area, leading to high temperatures that kill the myoma cells and cause the myoma to shrink. The targeting of the ultrasound waves is also controlled by ultrasound, which enables real-time imaging and control of the treatment. Unlike surgical and minimally invasive procedures, HIFU therapy is carried out without any skin incision or surgical scar, and on average, it takes one to two hours to complete. The procedure should take place without general anesthesia, but the patient will receive painkillers and sedatives under continuous monitoring. HIFU therapy can be done on an outpatient basis or with a one-day hospital stay. During the actual treatment, you will lie on your stomach on a special patient table, and a sedative will be given to you. If you experience pain or discomfort during therapy, please inform your doctor immediately. The many small individual steps that make up a HIFU treatment are closely monitored by the treating doctors using ultrasound images to ensure optimal results. After completing therapy, you will be observed by a doctor in a relaxation room for at least two hours. Short-term side effects may include malaise, tiredness, low blood pressure, abdominal or back pain, fever, or vaginal discharge. You can leave the clinic after a rest period of 4 to 6 hours and return to your usual routine the next day. However, you should avoid sexual intercourse for the first month after treatment. The success of the treatment can only be determined after weeks, as the myoma tissue must first regress. With successful treatment, the size reduction of fibroids is between 1 and 3 cm per month, which means that the fibroid continues to shrink after treatment. Ultrasound and MRI checks at set intervals are necessary to assess the success of the therapy. During the procedure, the ultrasound unit, which controls the treatment, is under the table top, while a central computer, right next to the examination unit, monitors and controls all treatment devices. The treating doctors are also located next to the examination unit and can be easily contacted during the procedure.

What’s included

Medical service

Examination

clinical history-taking
medical records review
physical examination
consultation with an interventional radiologist

Laboratory tests

complete blood count (CBC)
blood type test (ABO, Rh)
biochemical analysis of blood (kidney and liver function tests, electrolytes)
inflammation blood tests
coagulation studies
urinalysis

Diagnosis

ultrasound imaging
CT/MRI scan of the pelvis with a contrast
post-procedure CT control

Treatment

pre-procedure patient preparation
high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy for a uterine fibroids / adenomyosis
post-procedure care
symptomatic treatment

Other

doctor's fee
cost of essential medicines
cost of essential materials
local anesthesia
nursing service
discharge medical records
further recommendations

Distant service

follow-up consultations

Extra add-ons

Local transportation

Airport transfer

Personal coordinator

HealthDocs translate

Visa Support

AiroCare

AiroMedical support

Payment protection

Patient advocacy

Price match

Meet the provider

Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Vogl

interventional radiology, TACE, interventional oncology

9.90

Excellent

Gallery

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Location

Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

FAQ

Who is a candidate for HIFU therapy?

In order to determine the feasibility of using HIFU therapy for treating adenomyosis or fibroids, several factors must be considered. Firstly, a thorough gynecological history and physical examination is required. Additionally, imaging of the patient is necessary. To accomplish this, an MRI examination of the pelvis with contrast medium is conducted to determine the location, size, and number of the fibroids or any changes they may have caused due to adenomyosis. In order for myoma treatment to be effective, the number of fibroids should not exceed six and the diameter of a single fibroid should ideally not exceed 10 cm. However, the treatment decision is made on a case-by-case basis after the patient's condition has been assessed by the gynecologists and radiologists in a joint myoma conference.

What are the main advantages?

HIFU therapy is a gentle and non-invasive form of treatment that doesn't require general anesthesia or any surgical measures. There is no blood loss or post-operative stress on the female body. Moreover, the therapy is completely safe as it involves the use of ultrasound waves only, with no radiation exposure. The ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the tissue, leaving the skin unharmed. This outpatient treatment allows for a quick return to everyday life after the procedure.

Can I be pregnant after HIFU?

HIFU therapy ensures complete preservation of the uterus and cervix. It is still possible to conceive after undergoing the treatment, and many women have had successful pregnancies after HIFU therapy. However, it is recommended to avoid pregnancy for the first 6 months after the treatment. If necessary, it's advisable to consult with your gynecologist to discuss suitable contraceptive methods during this period.