The Fibroid Care Centre (FCC) at Nordica has performed its 1,000th High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, five years after introducing the procedure.
The milestone marks a significant development in the use of focused ultrasound technology for the treatment of fibroids in Nigeria and comes amid growing interest among women in treatment options that may reduce or eliminate the need for invasive surgery where medically appropriate.
In a statement, the FCC, described as West Africa’s first specialist centre for the non-invasive and minimally invasive treatment of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, said fibroids are common non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus.
According to the centre, fibroids can cause symptoms including heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, as well as abdominal enlargement.
The centre noted that while surgery remains an established treatment option for women with symptomatic fibroids, some patients seek alternatives that do not involve surgical incisions.
The experiences of some women treated at the centre, it said, reflect the interest in such alternatives.
One patient, who requested anonymity, said she experienced noticeable improvements in her menstrual cycle following treatment.
“My healing process has been good, noticeable changes in my body and monthly cycle. My bleeding has reduced drastically to five days, no discomfort or blood clotting, swelling has reduced. I can sleep on my tummy now. I feel good now,” she said.
The patient added that she planned to undergo a follow-up scan to assess the current condition of her fibroids.
Another woman, who was referred to the centre from Equatorial Guinea, was also reported to have experienced relief following treatment.
According to a person who referred her to the centre, the patient initially had concerns about the procedure but later reported experiencing significant relief from pain.
The referee said the patient had expressed gratitude to the medical team after the treatment and reported being regularly pain-free.
The FCC said the achievement of 1,000 HIFU treatments reflects its investment in the technology and the development of local expertise in focused ultrasound treatment.
HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to target and destroy fibroid tissue without making a surgical incision. However, the centre stressed that the procedure is not suitable for every patient.
Eligibility depends on several factors, including the size, number, location and accessibility of the fibroids, as well as the patient’s overall health and treatment objectives.
For appropriately selected patients, HIFU can offer a non-incisional treatment option. However, the centre noted that outcomes vary, symptoms may persist or recur, and some patients may require additional treatment or follow-up care.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus and may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure and abdominal enlargement. Treatment options vary depending on the characteristics of the fibroids and the individual circumstances of each patient.
The FCC is marking the 1,000-treatment milestone with a forum bringing together medical professionals and former patients to discuss HIFU and its role among available treatment options for women living with fibroids and adenomyosis.
