Moncton Hospital says 1st to offer less invasive fibroid treatment in Atlantic Canada
New technology offers procedure with quicker recovery, lower risk for women
Women suffering from fibroids now have access to a new surgical treatment option in Moncton that is less invasive, carries a lower risk and has a quicker recovery.
The Moncton Hospital says it's now the first in Atlantic Canada, and the sixth in the country, to offer Acessa laparoscopic radio-frequency ablation — a machine which uses radio waves to identify and remove fibroids. The technology was purchased by the Friends of Moncton Hospital Foundation for $150,000.
Dr. Stéphane Foulem, a gynecologist at the hospital, said the device is "game changing" technology for his patients.
"The average downtime is three or four days after surgery, so by the following week you're back to your life," he said. "Post-operative pain, discomfort, need for medications — it's all decreased with this."
Fibroids are growths of muscle cells and tissue within the uterus, affecting about 70 per cent of women. While the majority are asymptomatic, some can cause heavy or painful periods, pressure and bowel issues.
Foulem said hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is a current option but is an invasive surgery with risks and a lengthy recovery time.
There are also medical therapies to shrink and suppress the volume of the fibroids, and something called a myomectomy, which is the surgical removal of the fibroids in the uterus.
"This device gives me a way to treat fibroids, without the recovery time of a hysterectomy, without the risk of surgical hysterectomy, without the risk to pregnancy as the myomectomy," he said.
3 procedures conducted
The Acessa device uses a type of technology called radio-frequency ablation — which has been used to treat liver cancer and tumours. An ultrasound identifies the fibroids and radio frequencies are used to destroy the fibroids from within.
Foulem said the Moncton Hospital has conducted three procedures since the machine became available in January, and two of the three women experienced no symptoms after.
Carolle de Ste-Croix, who suffered from fibroids for about 13 years, said the condition was extremely debilitating.
"What happened to my ability to be a good employee, a good family member, a good friend and to really enjoy my life was very much marred by constantly trying to find new ways, either through drug therapy or surgeries, to deal with the issues."
She became extremely anemic and needed weekly transfusions, she said.
In the end, de Ste-Croix needed a full hysterectomy after the fibroids continued to grow. She said she's thrilled women will now have an option that helps recovery go more quickly.
"The end of my story with this condition was long and drawn out for many reasons. I want the end of every other New Brunswick woman's story to be different than mine," she said.
"They don't have to plan their entire lives around this condition, which can be, for many women, extremely debilitating and impact every aspect of your life."
Women across Atlantic Canada living with fibroid-related pain are able to look into potential treatment at the Moncton Hospital through consulting with their primary care provider.
Foulem heard about the technology as a new option for his patients and brought the idea forward to the hospital foundation. He hopes the hospital can become a training centre to help other medical facilities in the region start using it.
Greg King, president and CEO of the Friends of the Moncton Hospital, said the new technology helps support innovation as the first of its kind in the region.
"The outcomes to the patient were just so big, we couldn't say no," he said.
King said the new option will help reduce costs by reducing in-patient stays. The foundation was able to raise enough funds to purchase it in just a few months, with strong interest from donors.
"This is unusually fast, but it's kind of exciting for us," he said.
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