In a groundbreaking development for women’s healthcare,Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Managing Director of Nordica Fibroid Care Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, has announced the successful completion of 385 High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound,HIFU, procedures since July 2021.
HIFU, a non-invasive approach to treating fibroids, is transforming the landscape of fibroid treatment and offering women a safer and less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods.
Ajayi disclosed this milestone at a media parley in Abuja, shedding light on the challenges faced and the positive impact HIFU is providing women with a safer and less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods.
HIFU, which stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, is a revolutionary technique that employs focused ultrasound waves to target and destroy fibroids within the uterus. It has emerged as a game-changer in the field of gynecology, offering new hope to women struggling with the often painful and debilitating effects of fibroids.
Ajayi shed light on the patient’s experiences with HIFU, emphasizing the significant improvements in their quality of life. He noted that patients are required to fill out forms before the procedure and at 3- and 6-month intervals after the treatment to evaluate their satisfaction and the impact on their condition.
The patient journey through HIFU treatment can vary in duration, with some patients completing the process in as little as one week, while others may require a longer timeframe. Typically, the procedure involves a comprehensive assessment, including a review of the patient’s medical history, a physical examination, various scans, and an MRI.
The future of HIFU in Nigeria appears promising. Ajayi is considering expansion and collaboration with investors, with plans to introduce a second HIFU machine in Abuja in the first quarter of the coming year. This expansion will significantly improve the accessibility of HIFU treatment for women across the country.
The actual HIFU session can be conducted within a week or even sooner for some patients. Following the treatment, a follow-up MRI is performed within the first week to assess the procedure’s outcome.
During the media event, Dr. Ajayi shared valuable insights into the challenges faced during the journey of introducing HIFU as a fibroid treatment. He acknowledged that managing patient expectations, as well as addressing patient satisfaction and pain perception, has been essential to the success of the procedure.
Ajayi explained the challenges faced during the journey of introducing HIFU as a fibroid treatment. He emphasized that patient expectations have been a significant hurdle. “Addressing patient satisfaction and pain perception is crucial,” he noted.
He stated that “Patients have reported initial excitement and satisfaction with the treatment, and their lives have improved significantly.” However, he also recognized the existence of misunderstandings within the medical community, with some doctors still recommending surgery even after HIFU treatment due to a lack of understanding about this innovative approach.
The revelation of 385 successful HIFU procedures conducted since July 2021 garnered enthusiasm and excitement.
To bridge this knowledge gap and overcome opposition to HIFU, Dr. Ajayi and his team have organized live sessions for doctors to witness the procedure firsthand. They believe that this educational approach will help sensitize more healthcare professionals to the benefits of HIFU.
Making HIFU treatment more accessible in Nigeria is a significant challenge, according to Dr. Ajayi. He emphasized the need for government support, as the cost of the HIFU machine, priced in dollars, has increased significantly, making affordability an obstacle for many patients. “Government involvement is essential to make this procedure more accessible to the population,” he noted.
Dr. Ajayi’s commitment to providing safer and less invasive treatment options for fibroids was driven by a tragic incident he witnessed – the death of a young patient due to fibroids in a top Lagos hospital. This heartbreaking event underscored the urgent need for better alternatives to surgery and motivated him to champion HIFU as a transformative treatment option.
In words, “The success of 385 HIFU procedures marks a significant turning point in the treatment of fibroids. This innovative, non-surgical approach has the potential to improve the quality of life for countless women suffering from this condition.” He concluded by emphasizing the importance of government support and medical education to further advance the accessibility of HIFU treatment for women in Nigeria.
