Laser combats tumours

CHICAGO - Lasers are being used with some success against uterine fibroid tumours, one of the most common problems leading to hysterectomies.

Uterine fibroid tumours occur in 20 to 40 per cent of women over the age of 35, causing serious pelvic pain and pressure and heavy cramping and periods, says a report released at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.

"Basically, we're using laser fibres to heat up and liquefy the fibrous tissue, which then shrinks," said Wladyslaw Gedroyc, of St Mary's Hospital in London.

"It's early but the treatment looks promising, and is not as painful as other uterus-sparing alternatives," he said.

The technique involves the insertion of four needles through the abdominal wall into the centre of the tumours, using magnetic resonance imaging for guidance.

Laser fibres encased in a sheath are pushed through the centres of the needles into the tumours to heat them.

The report said the operation could be done on an outpatient basis. One of the main advantages was that the patient required only light sedation.

- REUTERS