Essentia Health-Fargo offers new minimally invasive procedure for uterine fibroids

Essentia Health-Fargo is now offering a minimally invasive, non-hormonal procedure to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, offering women a uterine-sparing alternative to hysterectomy.

The Acessa® procedure uses radiofrequency and targeted heat to shrink uterine fibroids — softening them from the firmness of a baseball to a marshmallow — relieving symptoms over time while keeping the uterus intact. Essentia Health-Fargo is the first in the greater Fargo-Moorhead area to offer this procedure.

Uterine fibroids affect approximately 80% of women in the United States. While fibroids can be harmless for some, other women experience heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, pelvic pain, reproductive problems, constipation or urinary incontinence. Despite their prevalence, many women are unaware of the treatment options available for fibroids, including non-hormonal, uterus-preserving options.

"We are excited to share about this important addition to the gynecologic services we offer in Fargo," said Dr. Michaela Heller, an OB/GYN at Essentia Health-Fargo who performs the Acessa® procedure. "We are also proud to support and empower women with knowledge about their available treatment options."

Based on clinical studies, treatment with the Acessa® procedure has been shown to significantly reduce menstrual blood loss, symptom severity and fibroid and uterine volume. Studies have also shown a high rate of patient satisfaction.

"This new procedure reflects our commitment to supporting women with effective, minimally invasive treatment options that can improve patient outcomes and quality of life," added Essentia OB/GYN Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, who also performs the Acessa® procedure.

Patients may be good candidates for this procedure if they have been diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids, have not responded to hormone therapy, want to preserve their uterus or are seeking a minimally invasive option with a quick recovery. Patients can expect to see rapid symptom improvement and a return to work in about four to five days.

Please speak with your primary care provider to see if a referral might be right for you. Learn more about our gynecologic care at EssentiaHealth.org.