Understanding Ultrasound Technology for Non-Surgical Fibroid Treatment

PT DSI Persero will fully handle export functions starting January 2027.

PT DSI Persero will fully handle export functions starting January 2027.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a technology that uses high-strength ultrasound waves to destroy benign or malignant tumour tissue inside the body without surgery or skin incisions. The technology works by focusing ultrasound energy on a specific target area to generate heat of around 60-90 degrees Celsius, gradually destroying the tumour tissue.

After the procedure, damaged tumour tissue is naturally absorbed by the body over several weeks to months. The HIFU process is often likened to a magnifying glass focusing sunlight to a single point to generate heat capable of precisely burning the target.

“The evolution of fibroid treatment in Indonesia has advanced rapidly. From initial open surgery, to laparoscopy, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), and now HIFU technology is available in Indonesia. This demonstrates that Indonesian patients are entitled to access the world’s leading medical standards,” said Dr. Ben Widaja, MBChB(UK), Co-Founder and President Director of Mandaya Hospital Group, in a written statement on Sunday (24/5).

For many women, a fibroid or adenomyosis diagnosis is a frightening prospect, as treatment has traditionally involved major surgery, from surgical procedures to hysterectomy. The introduction of HIFU technology offers new hope for patients, enabling treatment without open surgery, incisions, or uterine damage, with a faster recovery process allowing patients to resume activities sooner.

“HIFU technology offers new hope for women with fibroids who wish to preserve their uterus and maintain the possibility of pregnancy. It is also a more comfortable therapy option as it is performed without surgery, incisions, or wounds,” added Ben.

At Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, HIFU technology is used to treat fibroids as large as 17x16 cm. In terms of cost, the procedure is relatively more affordable than laparoscopic surgery, starting from IDR 90 million.

Fibroids are growths of muscle and connective tissue in the uterine wall, while cysts are fluid-filled sacs typically formed in the ovaries.

Fibroids and polyps, if asymptomatic, do not require treatment as they are benign tumours and not dangerous.

With robotic surgery, operations for gynaecological conditions such as cysts and fibroids become more effective, with patients recovering faster.

Fibroids or benign tumours in the uterus do not affect foetal health as they are not directly connected. The same applies to cysts.

Therefore, fibroids in the uterus can make it difficult for women to conceive. To become pregnant, the fibroids must first be removed.