St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital uses breakthrough treatment for uterine fibroids

St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital is the first center in the country to use a High Intensity Focused Ultrasound system to treat uterine fibroids.

According to a press release, there are only five hospitals in the U.S. equipped for the new treatment, and St. Luke's is the first to make use of it.

The procedure is a non-invasive alternative to traditional artery embolization myomectomy or hysterectomy, and benefits include faster recovery, no need for anesthesia and fewer side effects, according to the release.

The current treatments are part of a study in which participants are all under 50 and have fibroids of a size that impact their quality of life.

"MRI-guided HIFU is an exciting new technology with unlimited potential in treating a variety of ailments, including uterine fibroids," Dr. John H. Fischer, one of the researchers, said in the release. "It has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of fibroids by offering another less invasive treatment option for many women."

Fibroids occur in 20 to 30 percent of women over the age of 30. They can cause problems such as bleeding, pressure, bloating and other issues.

For more information on the research, contact Debra Dees or Brenda Lambert at 832-355-7501.