New Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment

For women seeking a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy, laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) may be a good treatment option.

What is radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) of Fibroids?

Radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) of fibroids uses heat to destroy the fibroid tissue. Radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) is performed during a laparoscopic surgery. A small ¼ inch incision is made in the belly button. A thin lighted telescope is placed through this incision to visualize the uterus and surrounding organs. A ½ inch incision is made in the skin overlying the uterus. A special ultrasound probe that works inside the body is placed on the uterus to clearly see the fibroids. A needle-like device is inserted into the fibroid. Once the needle is in the middle of the fibroid, the energy is activated and heat is delivered directly to the fibroid until the entire fibroid is destroyed. The treated fibroid shrinks in size by ~ 40% within 3 months after treatment.

What is the recovery time for radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) of fibroids?

Radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) is an outpatient surgery. You can go home several hours after the surgery. Most women are able to return to their normal activities in 5-9 days.

How is radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) of fibroids different than myomectomy?

Radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) is an operation to heat fibroids to the point of destroying the tissue. The fibroids remain inside the uterus but shrink in size. Myomectomy is an operation in which fibroids are removed from the uterus.

Where can I get radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) of fibroids?

Radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) is available at various locations throughout the country. Please click on the map below for a list of doctors who perform radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™).

If you are interested in learning more about radiofrequency ablation, please contact Stephanie, the study coordinator at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Call: 650-784-0531 or Email: fibroids@ucsf.edu

Visit our ULTRA Study website for more details about radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™).