By Correspondent
A paradigm shift in the medical treatment of uterine fibroids is rapidly gaining traction in Kenya with the increasing adoption of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) ablation. This groundbreaking non-invasive technology offers a compelling alternative to traditional surgical procedures, promising reduced recovery times and minimized complications for patients seeking relief from the often-debilitating condition.
At the heart of this medical marvel lies the fundamental principle of ultrasound – sound waves operating at frequencies beyond human hearing, exceeding 20,000 Hertz. HIFU technology precisely focuses these high-frequency sound waves onto a specific target within the body, creating a concentrated energy beam. This allows clinicians to accurately target and treat diseased tissue, specifically fibroids, with remarkable precision, leaving surrounding healthy tissues unharmed, a process known as conformal ablation.
The process of HIFU ablation can be likened to focusing the sun’s rays through a magnifying glass. Just as the lens concentrates solar energy to a single point, generating intense heat, HIFU technology focuses ultrasound waves to create a thermal lesion within a fibroid. This localized heat, reaching temperatures of 65-100° Celsius or higher, induces irreversible coagulative necrosis, effectively destroying the fibroid cells without the need for incisions, punctures, or bleeding.
Spearheading this cutting-edge technology is the HIFU System, developed by Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology Co., Ltd., which performed its first treatment in 1997. This sophisticated system, encompassing various models like the JC, JC200, and JC300, is the culmination of years of dedicated research and development, with each model tailored for specific clinical applications to ensure optimal treatment outcomes for a diverse range of patients.
The clinical applications of the HIFU System extend to the effective non-surgical treatment of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, conditions that frequently cause significant discomfort and distress for women. For many, this system offers a welcome alternative to more invasive procedures such as hysterectomy (surgical removal of the womb/uterus) or myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids).
The global embrace of the HIFU System underscores its proven efficacy and safety. Clinicians in 33 countries and regions worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Egypt, Argentina, Singapore, Korea, Japan, South Africa, and Nigeria, have integrated this technology into their practices. Leading medical institutions, such as the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, UK, have been pioneering its use since 2002. In Spain, health officials have actively advocated for its widespread adoption in treating uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, while its widespread use in South Korea is bolstered by FDA approvals for several indications.
The sheer volume of patients treated with the HIFU ablation System, exceeding 318,572 as of December 2024, stands as a testament to its reliability and effectiveness. This extensive body of clinical data, coupled with numerous studies published in peer-reviewed journals, provides compelling evidence of HIFU’s safety and efficacy in treating fibroids.
Clinical studies have consistently demonstrated that HIFU ablation achieves comparable outcomes to traditional surgical procedures for fibroids, with the significant advantages of fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and lower overall medical costs. The non-invasive nature of the procedure, eliminating the need for incisions, translates to reduced pain and remarkably faster recovery times for patients. Furthermore, HIFU ablation often negates the need for general or spinal anesthesia, particularly in the treatment of benign fibroids. The procedure is not limited by the size or shape of the fibroid and meticulously preserves healthy organs, minimizing collateral damage. In many cases, a single treatment session is sufficient, though the procedure can be repeated if necessary, offering a flexible and adaptable treatment strategy. Real-time ultrasound imaging ensures precision throughout the procedure.
While the adoption of HIFU ablation is expanding globally, the HIFU System, with its high energy output, is distinguished by its ability to often achieve complete fibroid ablation in a single session. This efficiency translates to better patient outcomes and a reduced treatment burden. The overall effectiveness of HIFU ablation for fibroids exceeds 95%, offering a high success rate for patients. In cases where initial treatment outcomes are less than optimal, clinicians can safely pursue alternative strategies, including repeat HIFU. Ultrasound images can show clear results immediately after the procedure, indicating that the fibroids are dead tissue without blood supply. However, fibroid shrinkage following HIFU ablation is a gradual process, occurring over 1-6 months. While recurrence in a different place is possible, repeat HIFU treatments offer a safe and effective solution. The cost of HIFU ablation varies but is often lower than minimal invasive surgery primarily due to shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, no scar, no bleeding, no injury to neighboring tissues, and fertility preservation.
Sharing her firsthand experience, L.O., a patient in Nairobi recovering from fibroids, recently recounted her positive journey with HIFU treatment at HIFU Medical Services, Nairobi. L.O. had endured symptoms of excessive bleeding and abdominal bloating for approximately seven years before undergoing the HIFU procedure on February 18th.
“I feel okay because the procedure went on very well and it was very seamless, and I’ve had an easy recovery period,” noted L.O. “I had a bit of abdominal discomfort and also a bit of fatigue which was resolved within the first and second week of my procedure.” She reported feeling significantly better, with reduced abdominal bloating and increased energy levels. “My back pain is less and I feel like I am on the right track,” she added, expressing strong encouragement for other patients experiencing similar symptoms to consider the benefits of this non-invasive procedure.
“My hospital stay was brief; I was here in the morning and left by the evening, and so it was very convenient and also painless for me,” L.O. stated, urging other patients with similar symptoms to seek treatment at the Nairobi HIFU Center.
Dr. Kireki Omanwa, President of the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (KOGS), highlighted HIFU as a novel and non-invasive method for treating fibroids. He emphasized that fibroids and adenomyosis affect a significant number of women, particularly during their reproductive years, and noted that HIFU Medical Services Nairobi houses one of the very few such machines in Africa.
“We have one machine in Nairobi, one machine in Egypt, two in Nigeria, one in Tanzania, and one in South Africa, making a total of six machines in the whole of Africa,” Dr. Kireki explained, adding that over 3,000 cases had been treated in Africa.
He further elaborated on the prevalence of fibroids among women of African origin during their reproductive years. “The way to treat fibroids traditionally is by surgery – open or laparoscopically. This entails taking patients to theatre, where we cut them so that we are able to get to the fibroids and remove them, but the HIFU method is non-invasive,” Dr. Kireki noted. “The women don’t go to the theatre, so they don’t need anesthesia, and they don’t need recovery time in the ward. This has a huge advantage for the patients both physically and psychologically too.”
Addressing adenomyosis, Dr. Kireki explained, “Adenomyosis is a problem whereby women have very painful periods because what you call the lining of the endometrium is embedded in the uterus. HIFU is a good method for women who don’t want to have surgery and want to continue having children.” He advised women experiencing problems with fibroids to inquire about HIFU from their gynecologists. “As the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, we are very happy that we have another method of treating women.”