When it comes to treating uterine fibroids, many immediately think of surgery. Some even mistakenly believe that removing fibroids necessitates hysterectomy, which understandably causes anxiety for some patients.In reality, with continuous advances in modern science, treatment options for uterine fibroids have diversified. Surgery is not the only approach. Zhang Qiushí, Director of Gynecology at Guangdong Provincial Second People's Hospital, states that conservative therapies, particularly ultrasound-focused therapy, can achieve excellent outcomes for uterine fibroids, especially for patients wishing to preserve fertility.
Director Zhang Qiushí
Expert: Uterine Fibroid Treatment ≠ Surgical Treatment ≠ Hysterectomy
Many people believe that treating uterine fibroids necessarily involves surgery, specifically hysterectomy. Director Zhang views this as a common misconception about fibroid treatment.
"Hysterectomy is merely one treatment option for uterine fibroids. Based on the patient's specific condition and preferences, surgical intervention is not always necessary. Even when surgery is performed, uterine preservation is possible."
Regarding traditional surgical approaches, Director Zhang Qiushi acknowledges that while hysterectomy may not be required, postoperative complications like adhesions can occur, potentially leading to chronic pelvic pain or even difficulties conceiving.Since uterine fibroids are hormone-dependent tumors, even after surgery, there remains a certain probability of recurrence for women of childbearing age. If patients overindulge in post-operative nutritional supplements, it may further increase the likelihood of fibroids regrowing.
What is Focused Ultrasound Therapy? Safe, Non-Invasive, and Effective
Although uterine fibroids have a relatively high incidence rate and can cause certain complications, Director Zhang Qiusheng informed Family Doctor Online editors that not all fibroids require treatment. "Treatment is only necessary when fibroids exceed 4 centimeters in size or cause a series of complications such as menstrual changes.Smaller fibroids that protrude outward or are subserosal may be left untreated or managed with non-surgical approaches earlier."
According to Director Zhang, the most common conservative treatment and non-surgical option for fibroids is ultrasound-focused therapy, also known as HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound).Ultrasound Focused Therapy utilizes the principle of ultrasound focusing to concentrate ultrasonic energy at a single point. The instantaneous high temperature generated at this target point liquefies and necrotizes fibroid tissue cells while sealing blood vessels. This process progresses from point to line, line to surface, and surface to volume, ultimately causing necrosis and degeneration within the fibroid. This leads to atrophy and scarring, resulting in the shrinkage of the uterine fibroid.This therapy is safe and non-invasive, requiring only a 3-5 day hospital stay for routine preoperative examinations and postoperative observation."Director Zhang Qiushí noted that this therapy is particularly suitable for reproductive-age patients with a limited number of fibroids and restricted volumes, offering them a window of opportunity for pregnancy and childbirth. "Patients with uterine fibroids measuring less than 7 centimeters in size and no more than three in number achieve relatively ideal outcomes with this therapy, with those desiring pregnancy being the most suitable candidates.""Since uterine fibroids significantly shrink after ultrasound-focused therapy, patients can attempt pregnancy six months post-treatment, greatly reducing the negative impact of fibroids on conception and childbearing."
Of course, Director Zhang Qiushi acknowledges that the nature of uterine fibroids means they cannot be completely eradicated in women of childbearing age. Even after ultrasound-focused therapy, recurrence cannot be avoided. "Ultrasound-focused therapy cannot magically make fibroids disappear entirely; it has no effect on untreated fibroids.After several years, treated fibroids may still grow again, so it cannot be said that ultrasound-focused therapy provides a permanent solution."
To reduce the recurrence rate of uterine fibroids or slow their growth, Director Zhang Qiushí recommends that patients, in addition to undergoing appropriate treatment, pay attention to their daily diet. Avoid excessive consumption of health supplements and refrain from prolonged, continuous soy milk intake. A balanced diet with diverse foods is sufficient.
Expert Profile
Zhang Qiushí, Director of Gynecology at Guangdong Provincial Second People's Hospital; Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Teaching and Research; Chief Physician; Professor; Master's Supervisor; Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Postdoctoral Fellow in Medicine; Visiting Scholar at Kempten Medical Center, University of Ulm, Germany.Member of the Chinese Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (CSCCP), Standing Committee Member of the Reproductive Health Branch of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, Committee Member of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Management Branch of the Chinese Hospital Association, Committee Member of the Gynecologic Oncology Professional Committee of the Guangdong Anti-Cancer Association, Standing Committee Member of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Professional Committee of the Guangdong Health Management Association, Committee Member of the Guangdong Obstetricians and Gynecologists Association,Member of the Gynecological Endoscopy Branch of the Guangdong Medical Doctor Association, Member of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch of the Guangzhou Medical Association, Member of the Oncology Branch of the Guangzhou Medical Association, Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Genetics, and Guest Reviewer for the Journal of Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research. Recipient of the Third Prize in Provincial Science and Technology and the Second Prize in Provincial Medical Science and Technology Innovation Achievement.