Focused ultrasound surgery for uterine fibroids

Focused ultrasound surgery is a noninvasive treatment option for uterine fibroids - noncancerous growths of the uterus. A pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is typically performed before treatment to determine whether you're a good candidate for focused ultrasound surgery.Focused ultrasound surgery - also called magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery or focused ultrasound ablation - is performed while you're inside an MRI scanner equipped with a high-energy ultrasound transducer for treatment.The images give your doctor the precise location of the uterine fibroids and the locations of nearby structures to be avoided, such as the bowel and bladder. While the MRI monitors the targeted fibroid and surrounding structures, the ultrasound transducer focuses sound waves into the fibroid to heat and destroy small areas of fibroid tissue.Not widely available, focused ultrasound surgery typically is done at specialized clinics.