Acessa Q & A
What is Acessa?
Acessa is a revolutionary, FDA-cleared medical procedure that treats problematic uterine fibroids without removing the uterus (hysterectomy). This minimally invasive procedure treats almost all fibroids, regardless of size or location.
Using radiofrequency ablation, Acessa destroys fibroids without affecting healthy surrounding tissue. This allows you to return to your normal daily activities within days after the procedure instead of the lengthy recovery involved
in a traditional hysterectomy.
How does Acessa treat fibroids?
First, Dr. Farnam uses laparoscopic ultrasound to identify the size and location of all fibroids. Laparoscopic ultrasound uses tiny, specialized instruments that only require a couple of small incisions about the size of a buttonhole.
Using laparoscopic and ultrasound guidance, Dr. Farnam accurately targets the center of the fibroid with the Acessa mapping system. Then, he inserts electrodes from the Acessa handpiece into the fibroid and delivers radiofrequency
energy.
The radiofrequency ablation destroys the fibroid without harming healthy uterine tissue. Dr. Farnam carefully withdraws the surgical tools and controls any bleeding. Over time, your body absorbs the destroyed fibroid.
What should I expect from an Acessa procedure?
The process begins with a thorough physical exam. Dr. Farnam or a member of his team carefully review your symptoms and medical history to make sure Acessa is the best fibroid treatment for you.
Dr. Farnam performs the Acessa procedure while you’re asleep under general anesthesia. The amount of time depends on the number and type of your fibroids, but most Acessa procedures last 60-90 minutes.
Afterward, most women go home the same day, but you should have someone else drive since you’ll be sleepy from the anesthesia.
Since Acessa is minimally invasive, your scars will fit beneath a band-aid, and you should be able to resume normal activities in a few days. It’s common to experience mild abdominal discomfort while your body heals, but pain-relieving
medicine can help.
Acessa is a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids with very low risk of complications. You should experience noticeable relief from fibroid symptoms such as heavy bleeding within three to six months. Symptoms such as pelvic
pain may improve as quickly as your first menstrual period after the procedure.
To find out if Acessa radiofrequency ablation for fibroids is right for you, call Texas Urogynecology & Laser Surgery Center or book an appointment online today.
