The Nordica Fibroids Care Centre organized training for medical doctors in Kano on the non-invasive treatment method for fibroids on Saturday.
The centre reported a total of 392 fibroid procedures successfully conducted in the last two years, employing High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound technology. The Managing Director, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, disclosed this information while conducting the training in Kano.
He pointed out that the Lagos facility, being the sole HIFU center in West Africa after South Africa and Egypt, was established to revolutionize women’s health through the breakthrough procedure.
Ultrasound waves are employed in the procedure to specifically target and eliminate fibroid cells without resorting to surgery. The treatment duration is typically 1-2 hours, contingent on size, and patients undergo MRI scans beforehand.
Ajayi explained that 70-80 per cent of women under the age of 50 might develop benign uterine lumps. Though sometimes without symptoms, related issues can include heavy bleeding and pelvic pain.
He said, ‘It is necessary to undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) before the surgery is done and that the journey begins with an ordinary scan.’
‘The treatment of fibroid has transcended from very invasive, to minimally invasive.’
‘Fibroids are benign lumps that grow in the uterus, prevalent in the female pelvis; about 70 to 80 per cent of women below 50 years will have fibroids.’
‘The cause of fibroid is not sure but hormones and genetics may play a part. The risk factors for uterine fibroids include age, race, getting your period at a very young age, birth control use, being overweight and other factors.’
‘Many women are asymptomatic but can be diagnosed through incidental finding and other symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and prolonged menstrual periods.’
Participants expressed gratitude to the center and pledged to disseminate the knowledge gained to other gynecologists to enhance fibroid management.
HIFU is gaining increasing attention as a safer alternative to risky fibroid surgeries. The training has received praise for disseminating expertise in this innovative space-age treatment, enabling many women to avoid potential complications.