HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-invasive treatment used to treat uterine fibroids and adenomyosis without surgery. It uses focused ultrasound energy to target and destroy diseased tissue while preserving the uterus and surrounding healthy organs.
Unlike surgery, there are no cuts, stitches, scars, or significant blood loss.
HIFU focuses ultrasound energy directly on the fibroid or adenomyosis tissue. The energy generates heat that destroys the targeted cells through coagulative necrosis without damaging most of the surrounding tissue.
Over time, the body naturally absorbs the treated tissue, causing the fibroid to shrink and symptoms to improve.
HIFU is commonly used to treat:
It has been applied also in the treatment of liver tumors, pancreatic cancer, kidney tumors, bone tumors and breast tumors.
Your doctor will determine whether HIFU is suitable for your specific condition after a detailed evaluation.
HIFU technology has been used internationally for more than two decades and is available in over 37 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Over 300,000 patients worldwide have been treated using HIFU technology.
Yes. HIFU has an excellent safety profile when performed by trained specialists. Serious complications are uncommon, and the overall complication rate is significantly lower than surgical alternatives.
As with any medical procedure, there are risks, which your doctor will discuss during your consultation.
Many women with fibroids or adenomyosis are suitable candidates for HIFU.
To determine your suitability, we may recommend:
Most women can be assessed without surgery.
Possibly.
Many women who have been advised to undergo hysterectomy may still qualify for HIFU and preserve their uterus. However, eligibility depends on factors such as the size, location, and characteristics of the fibroids.
A specialist assessment is required before making a recommendation.
Yes. HIFU can treat both small and large fibroids. Suitability depends on the location, blood supply, and accessibility of the fibroid rather than size alone.
The HIFU specialist will determine whether your fibroids can be safely and effectively treated.
Most women require only one treatment session.
In some cases, a second treatment may be recommended depending on the size, location, or response of the fibroid.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort during treatment.
You will receive medication to help you relax and remain comfortable. Unlike surgery, general anesthesia is usually not required, and you remain awake and able to communicate with the treatment team throughout the procedure.
No general anesthesia is required.
Most patients receive light sedation and pain relief medications to ensure comfort during treatment.
Before treatment, your doctor will provide detailed instructions which may include:
Following these instructions helps ensure a safe and effective procedure.
Most patients return home the same day.
You may experience mild:
These symptoms usually improve within a few days.
We generally recommend:
Your care team will provide personalized dietary guidance after treatment.
Recovery is significantly faster than surgery.
Most women return to normal activities within a few days and can resume work much sooner than after open surgery.
No.
The treated fibroids are no longer active after HIFU, but they do not disappear overnight. The body gradually absorbs the treated tissue over several months.
Many women notice symptom improvement before significant shrinkage is visible on scans.
Every patient is different, but fibroids generally shrink progressively over time.
Many women experience substantial shrinkage within the first 6–12 months after treatment.
Fibroids can recur after any treatment, including surgery.
If new fibroids develop or symptoms return, additional treatment options—including repeat HIFU—may be considered.
One of the major advantages of HIFU is that it preserves the uterus.
Many women choose HIFU because they wish to maintain future fertility. The impact on fertility depends on factors such as age, fibroid type, location, and overall reproductive health.
Our specialists will discuss your fertility goals during your consultation.
In many cases, yes.
Previous abdominal surgery or myomectomy does not automatically exclude you from HIFU treatment. Your doctor will assess any scars and determine whether a safe treatment pathway can be established.
HIFU is generally very safe.
Potential side effects may include:
Serious complications are uncommon and occur less frequently than with many surgical procedures.
Compared with surgery, HIFU offers:
No.
Once fibroid tissue has been successfully treated and destroyed, the cells are no longer viable. The treated tissue cannot become cancerous.
Before treatment, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation that may include:
If there is any concern that a lesion could be malignant, surgery and further testing may be recommended instead of HIFU.
Patient safety always comes first.
A single session of HIFU costs 2.9 million naira. This excludes costs of assessments, MRI imaging and other complementary
Following your consultation and assessment, we will provide a personalized treatment recommendation and cost estimate.
The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with our specialists.
We will review your symptoms, perform the necessary investigations, discuss your goals, and help you determine whether HIFU or another treatment option is best for you.
Follow her journey to Fertility Care and being Fibroid-free by Fibroid Care Centre at Nordica. Read More