Frequently Asked Questions

Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

MRgFUS is a generally safe procedure which treats symptomatic uterine fibroids with minimal risk. Infrequent complications that have been recorded following MRgFUS appear below. As with any medical procedure, you should discuss the likelihood of your experiencing any of these risks with your physician.

What are the benefits of MR guided FUS?

  • Effective alternative to surgery and hormonal treatment
  • No surgery and no blood loss – a totally non-invasive procedure
  • Preserves your uterus and cervix
  • Does not require a hospital stay
  • Return quickly to your regular schedule
  • Provides considerable improvement in your quality of life
  • Decrease in menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids
  • Decrease in pelvic pain and/or pressure, urinary dysfunction

    • What are the complications associated with MR guided FUS?

    Overall, MR guided FUS is a safe procedure for treating symptomatic fibroids with minimal risk. Infrequent complications that have been reported following MR guided FUS are listed below. You should talk to your doctor about the likelihood that you may experience any of these risks.

    Short-Term

  • Low blood pressure or fainting during or after procedure
  • Nausea, abdominal cramping/pain and/or fever
  • Allergic reaction to contrast media or medications
  • Slight skin injury (minor burns)
  • Leg or back or pain that may last for a few days
  • Urinary tract infection

    • Long-Term

    The incidence of serious or long term risks reported for this procedure is extremely low. However, you should be aware that there have been rare reports following MRgFUS of:

  • Skin burn with ulceration on abdomen
  • Leg or back pain or weakness

    • Additional risks

    There is a risk that the treatment may not succeed and you may have to do an alternative treatment to improve the symptoms caused by uterine fibroids.

    The treatment may be successful in reducing the symptoms from the fibroids that are treated, but at a later time, more fibroids may become symptomatic, requiring additional treatments. This is true for all fibroid treatments, except hysterectomy.

    The treatment may be successful in reducing the symptoms from the fibroids that are treated, but at a later time, more fibroids may become symptomatic, requiring additional treatments. This is true for all fibroid treatments, except hysterectomy.

    Before having this procedure, you should discuss any questions you have concerning risks and complications of the procedure with your doctor.

    What should I know before the MR guided FUS procedure?

    You should inform your doctor if you have an allergy to certain medications or contrast agents to avoid any type of reaction to the procedure. You will decide with your doctor what type of sedation is best for you. Most doctors use conscious sedation, which means you are awake during the procedure but you may feel groggy.

    What happens to me after the MR guided FUS procedure?

    MRgFUS takes 3-4 hours and is done as an outpatient procedure. After the treatment you will rest for an additional 1-2 hours until the mild sedation wears off. After that you will be released to go home.

    What happens when I go home?

    You will receive discharge instructions from your doctor, depending upon how you are feeling. Usually nothing is required, although the doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relief medication. Sometimes women may experience some cramping, similar to menstrual period cramping or shoulder/back pain from lying in the treatment position for a long time.

    Most women are able to return to work and normal activity the day following the procedure.

    Who will provide my post procedure care after MR guided FUS?

    It is important to discuss with your doctor who will handle your follow-up care, phone calls and/or office visits, after the procedure. You should also know whom to contact in case of an emergency after the procedure. This is especially important if you experience fever, pelvic pain, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge that increases over time and lasts more than 24 hours.