Short answer

What is the HIFU process like?

The process moves through four stages: imaging-based assessment, preparation, the treatment day and follow-up. Treatment is usually planned as a single session under sedation with pain control; its duration follows the size and number of fibroids. Most patients are discharged the same or the next day; shrinkage is then tracked with imaging over the following months.

Step by step
  1. 01

    1. Assessment

    Your MRI and clinical history are reviewed; whether HIFU is technically feasible and sensible for you becomes clear. If not, the alternatives are discussed openly.

  2. 02

    2. Preparation

    Pre-procedure instructions (fasting, skin preparation, medication adjustments) are planned for you. Preparing the abdominal skin matters, as the ultrasound beam needs a clean path.

  3. 03

    3. Treatment day

    The procedure is performed under sedation with pain control, mostly in a prone position, with communication maintained. Targeting is verified on imaging and ablation applied to plan.

  4. 04

    4. Observation and discharge

    After a short observation period most patients are discharged the same or the next day; mild pain can occur in the first days.

  5. 05

    5. Follow-up

    Shrinkage and symptom change are tracked with planned follow-up imaging. For the timeline, see our recovery and results page.

How long does the procedure take?

Evidence
Procedure time varies markedly with fibroid volume, number and tissue response; a 500-case clinical series reported a mean treatment time of roughly two hours.

Your own planned duration becomes clear after assessment.

Source: 2020 · Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecolo2022 · International Journal of Hyperthermia

Setting expectations properly

  • Heat and pain sensations can occur during treatment; sedation and pain control exist for exactly that.
  • An extended prone position is required; mention anything that makes that difficult during assessment.
  • Symptom improvement and shrinkage arrive over weeks to months — not "the next day".
  • In a proportion of patients the intended ablation may not be reached in one session; that possibility is discussed beforehand.
See the recovery and shrinkage timeline
Start the assessment process