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June 4, 2014

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Hospital offers innovative solution to uterine tumors

THE Shanghai No. 1 People’s Hospital has become the first in China to offer a noninvasive surgical technique that uses sound waves to treat uterine tumors.

Since March, the hospital has conducted five such procedures, all of which were successful, said Dr Wang Han, vice director of the radiology department.

The technique uses a high-intensity ultrasound wave to dissolve tumors without damaging the surrounding tissue.

The broken down material is then absorbed by the body over a period of six to 12 months.

“The patient is awake for the whole procedure and needs only a light sedative,” Wang said.

“They might feel some warmth in their stomachs, but there are no incisions and no pain.”

In the past, women with uterine tumors (myoma) had to undergo surgery. While small myoma could be removed without too much impact on the surrounding tissue, in cases where the growth was large or deep inside the uterus, the whole organ might have to be removed, Wang said.

The new technique is therefore particularly beneficial for young women who plan to have a baby after the treatment.

While the procedure is not suitable for all types of uterine tumors, it can be used to help about 40 percent of patients, Wang said.

The technique has been available in the West for the past three years and benefited more than 10,000 women.

In 2011, Time magazine named it as one of the 50 great inventions of the year.


 

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