an innovative minimally invasive technique as an alternative treatment

Heavy bleeding, pelvic gravity, constipation, etc. In the case of uterine fibroids, a benign tumor developed from the muscle of the uterus, the choice of treatment is made according to the woman’s age, her desire to become pregnant, her condition. general, but also the importance of the symptoms and the existence of complications. According to the Lille University Hospital, until now, myomectomy, consisting of removing uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, was the only feasible procedure after which a pregnancy is possible. Problem: the latter is a surgical procedure which is “heavy” et “physically and psychologically impactful, carrying risks of bleeding and uterine rupture in the event of childbirth”.

Radiofrequency treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis and does not require full hospitalization.

This is why Lille University Hospital is offering a new less invasive and faster technique, so that patients do not give up on seeking treatment and can preserve their fertility, thanks to institutional support as part of the internal call for projects. of the 2024 Innovation Program Budget.

The innovative treatment in question is radiofrequency. This minimally invasive surgical procedure monitored by ultrasound allows the destruction of fibroids, even large ones, using an electric current. “The wave created by the current is converted into thermal energy. By friction, this heats the fibroid and from 65°C it gradually deteriorates”we can read in a press release from the establishment. For this procedure, which causes little or no pain and does not cause skin or uterine scarring, the device is used vaginally.

“Performed under general anesthesia”, radiofrequency treatment “only takes ten to fifteen minutes. The patient leaves the hospital two hours later with Doliprane, Spasfon and 48 hours of sick leave. It’s really simple, quick, and the risk of complications is low” , explained, at PointAurore Deseure, gynecological surgeon at Lille University Hospital, carrier of this technological innovation within the hospital.

Uterine fibroids: the operation “went very well”

On November 6, for the first time, six women, aged 26 to 42, benefited from the radiofrequency treatment, which was found to be safe and effective in destroying uterine fibroids. “Everything went very well. I, who had gotten used to living with pain linked to my fibroid, noticed that some of it was already starting to disappear. It’s changing my life”confided Laurence, one of the patients, to the French weekly magazine.