The Asian perspective on HIFU

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) uses about 800 times the diagnostic ultrasound power, which converges at a focal point to deliver energy above 60 degrees Celsius resulting in cell death by means of coagulation necrosis and cavitation destruction. This article is a reflection of my journey in gynaecological surgery, from basic laparotomy to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to virtual surgery of noninvasive technology. This work also states an opinion shared by a lot of MIS colleagues in Asia. I am indeed fortunate to witness the transformation, revolution and disruption of surgery in gynecology in my lifetime. I think HIFU has allowed us to achieve the basic tenets of surgery, one of less pain, minimal complications, optimal destruction of a diseased organ, and optimal conservation of the human body. In this article, I will focus on HIFU treatment of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. Uterine fibroids or myomas are common benign growths of the uterus and occurs in 20% to 50% of reproductive females. Adenomyosis involves endometrial lining cells that invade into the body of the uterus, like rust into the body of a car. Both uterine fibroids and adenomyosis can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and anemia. They can compress surrounding organs as they grow, leading to urinary, bowel, vascular and obstructive complications. Fertility may also be compromised.