Uterine fibroids, which are common in women, can cause complaints such as excessive menstrual bleeding, pain, a feeling of pressure, and related anemia. Prof. Dr. Muhammet Arslan from the Department of Interventional Radiology at Pamukkale University Hospitals provided information about the microwave ablation method used in fibroid treatment. Arslan stated that during the procedure, the fibroid is accessed through the abdominal area with a thin needle under ultrasound guidance, and the fibroid tissue is heated in a controlled manner using microwave energy. He noted that the aim is for the treated fibroid to shrink over time and, consequently, for the symptoms experienced by patients to decrease.

Prof. Dr. Muhammet Arslan: “A uterus-preserving treatment option”

Prof. Dr. Arslan stated that one of the important advantages of microwave ablation is that it is a uterus-preserving method, explaining that the fibroid tissue is treated directly without the need to remove the uterus. He noted that this feature makes the method an important alternative, particularly for women who wish to preserve their uterus. Arslan emphasized, however, that for patients planning pregnancy, the treatment decision should be made on an individual basis by evaluating factors such as the patient’s characteristics and the size and location of the fibroid.

Arslan also stated that a current approach described in the scientific literature was used as part of the treatment, explaining that sclerotherapy with a specific medication was performed on the vessels supplying the fibroid before microwave ablation. He noted that this procedure aims to reduce the blood supply to the fibroid, thereby reducing the heat-dissipating effect of blood flow and increasing the effectiveness of microwave ablation on the fibroid tissue.

“The method was brought from Shanghai to Denizli”

Prof. Dr. Muhammet Arslan stated that he gained his training and clinical experience in the method during training and clinical observations at Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, affiliated with Tongji University, in Shanghai, China. Arslan said that he brought the experience he gained in China to Pamukkale University Hospital and that the method has begun to be performed for the first time in Denizli.

Arslan stated that another important advantage of microwave ablation is that it can be performed without general anesthesia, noting that the procedure can be carried out with local anesthesia and regional pain blocks. He stated that patients are monitored for a period following the procedure, which does not involve a large surgical incision, and that suitable patients can be discharged on the same day.