Northeast Georgia Physicians Group offers a minimally invasive, same-day treatment option for women who suffer from the pain and discomfort of uterine fibroids symptoms, called Acessa.
What is the Acessa procedure?
Acessa is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign, symptomatic uterine fibroids in pre-menopausal women. The outpatient treatment involves two small abdominal incisions for access and controlled heat generated through radiofrequency to soften and shrink the fibroids, allowing symptoms to resolve soon following the procedure. Unlike alternative treatment options, the Acessa procedure utilizes optimized imaging by simultaneously displaying the uterus in real-time through a laparoscopic camera view and ultrasound view. This enhanced visibility allows physicians to identify and address all affected areas including those outside the uterine cavity and within the uterine walls without the removal of the uterus.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are typically benign growths that are found within the uterus. The size and location of fibroids are principal factors in what procedure is performed, however the Acessa procedure can be used to treat almost all types of symptomatic uterine fibroids. Fibroid tissue on its own is generally completely harmless, but in some cases, patients experience extreme pain or discomfort.
This procedure is recommended for pre-menopausal women, typically younger than 55 years old, experiencing pain and discomfort of fibroid symptoms. Acessa ideal for women looking for a minimally invasive treatment option that allows them to keep their uterus and return to their daily life easily and quickly following the procedure.
Acessa can treat almost all forms of symptomatic uterine fibroids, along with subserosal ,intramural, transmural, and submucosal.
Acessa can treat any number of fibroids present. There is not a specific amount the physician can treat, but the number of fibroids treated during a single procedure may vary.
The size of the fibroids are key factors if the procedure is the best option for you. To identify the size of the fibroids, your physician will order an MRI or an ultrasound to determine if you are a good candidate for the Acessa procedure.
Clinical studies indicate that fibroids do not have to be completely removed for symptoms to resolve. Treating the fibroid tissue so they soften and shrink will help minimize pressure put on the uterus and reduce pain or discomfort.
Acessa does not involve the removal of the uterus and allows a quicker recover with less scarring. A Hysterectomy, however, is a definitive treatment so there is no chance of fibroid symptoms returning after recovery.
Acessa is considered less invasive than a myomectomy as there is less blood loss during the procedure, less scarring and does not involve cutting and suturing of uterine tissue. Acessa can be more accurate for patients with multiple, small fibroids, as it utilizes an ultrasound to find and treat more fibroids. However, because myomectomies remove the fibroid immediately, patients with larger fibroids may experience quicker relief than with Acessa, as it can take longer to shrink fibroids.
Acessa is considered a less invasive procedure than UAE because as it is outpatient and does not require an overnight hospital stay. Patients typically report less post-operative pain, however, Acessa does require general anesthesia and small abdominal incisions whereas UAE does not always require anesthesia nor visible incisions.
Acessa may be considered a more comprehensive treatment option for fibroids as the procedure is performed laparoscopically, through the stomach instead of through the cervix. This approach allows surgeons to target fibroids all around the uterus. Hysteroscopic options can be a quicker, more ideal treatment for patients with fibroids closer to or within the uterine cavity.
Why choose NGPG for gynecological surgery?
NGPG is home to experienced providers you can trust. With four convenient locations across northeast Georgia, NGPG provides easy access and scheduling. Our approach to gynecologic services always centers care on the patient and family.
We perfom our surgeries with state-of-the-art technology at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, providing our patients access to minimally-invasive laproscopic and robotic surgery options. By offering these options, we can minimize your stay in the hospital, shorten recovery times and reduce pain from surgery. NGMC Gainesville is the first hospital in Georgia to have received accreditation from the SRC as a Center of Excellence in minimally invasive gynecology.
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