Health and Medical Network News　2022-03-16　Reported by Lin Yiting

HIFU non-invasive treatment for uterine fibroids
Dr. Chen from Linkou Chang Gung Hospital explains that HIFU is a precise non-invasive treatment option for women with uterine fibroids.

About 60% of women in Taiwan have uterine fibroids. Some are large enough to compress nerves and affect urination, while even smaller ones can cause emotional stress. Uterine fibroids are associated with hormone receptors in the uterine muscle layer, personal constitution, and diet.

Uterine fibroids are among the most distressing gynecological problems. Traditionally, laparoscopic surgery was used to remove them. However, HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) now offers non-invasive ablation and volume reduction of fibroids. Since late 2014, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital has performed over 700 HIFU cases at its dedicated center.

How HIFU Works

Dr. Chen, an attending physician at Linkou Chang Gung, explains that HIFU does not involve incisions. It uses ultrasound to focus energy on fibroids with a treatment range expanding only 1 to 1.5 cm, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. It requires only sedation, not general anesthesia.

One menopausal woman avoided a hysterectomy thanks to HIFU. Her fibroids grew post-menopause and led to urinary retention. Though other hospitals advised surgery, she consulted Dr. Chen, who used HIFU to shrink the 12 cm tumor to 7 to 8 cm in six months, greatly improving her quality of life.

According to CGMH statistics, HIFU can reduce fibroid volume by 50% in three months, 60% in six months, and up to 80% after three years, with very low recurrence rates.

Treatment is guided by MRI and includes pre-procedure simulation. If the subcutaneous fat layer exceeds 2.5 cm, more energy is required and session time is extended to prevent skin burns.

HIFU for Adenomyosis

HIFU is also used for adenomyosis, which affects around 15% of women. This condition can hinder embryo implantation. In one case, a 37-year-old woman was unable to conceive until Dr. Chen performed HIFU. With careful energy control, the ablation reached 80 to 90% effectiveness, and the patient later conceived and delivered a healthy baby.

International Medical Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH) is a JCI-accredited, multi-specialty hospital founded in 1978. It has nearly 4,000 beds and 29 specialty centers. Over the past decade, it has trained more than 1,700 physicians from 75 countries and serves over 10,000 outpatients and 10,000 international patients annually.

CGMH is internationally recognized for medical innovation, education, and research. It was featured in National Geographic’s “Taiwan’s Medical Miracle” and remains committed to patient-centered, cutting-edge care across borders.

Meet Dr. Chen, Your Gynecologic Surgeon

Chen, Wei-Chun, MD

As a highly trained gynecologist, Dr. Chen specializes in minimally invasive surgery and HIFU techniques.

Attending Physician, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung International Medical Center, Taiwan

Dr. Chen Wei-Chun, gynecologic oncology

Gynecological Services

  • Da Vinci robotic system: myomectomy, adenomyomectomy, endometrial cancer surgical staging
  • HIFU non-invasive treatment: uterine fibroids and adenomyoma
  • Microwave ablation: uterine fibroids and adenomyoma
  • Laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery
  • Hysteroscopic surgery
  • Gynecologic cancer surgery
  • Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Schedule your evaluation with Dr. Chen via email or through the online consultation feature on this site.

Consultation and Appointment

  • Chen Wei-Chun, MD｜Gynecologic Oncology・Associate Professor Level Attending Physician
  • Specialties: HIFU, single-port robotic surgery, microwave ablation
  • Clinics: Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tucheng Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
  • Consultation｜LINE ID: @hifudr