The Nordica Fibroids Care Centre provided training to medical doctors in Kano on Saturday regarding a non-invasive treatment method for fibroids. During the session, the center disclosed that it had effectively carried out 392 fibroid procedures over two years using High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology.
Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, the Managing Director, shared this accomplishment during the training session in Kano. He highlighted that the Lagos facility, serving as West Africa’s sole HIFU center apart from South Africa and Egypt, aimed to transform women’s health through this innovative procedure.
This breakthrough technique employs ultrasound waves to specifically target and eliminate fibroid cells without requiring surgery. The treatment typically spans 1-2 hours, contingent on the fibroid’s size, and necessitates patients to undergo MRI scans beforehand.
Ajayi emphasized that a substantial percentage, around 70-80%, of women under the age of 50 might encounter benign uterine lumps. While at times asymptomatic, these lumps can lead to issues such as 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 percent 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.”
Thanking the centre, participants pledged to share knowledge gained with other gynecologists to improve fibroid management.
HIFU is increasingly garnering attention as a substitute for risky fibroid surgeries. The training has been hailed for spreading expertise in the innovative space-age treatment helping many women avoid potential complications.
(NAN)
