For women who suffer from uterine fibroids (non-cancerous tumours), the new MRI- Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) solution is surely a blessing without disguise.

This non-invasive, scar-free option to women is an alternative to other traditional treatments for uterine fibroids. Dr Prathap Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Group of Hospitals, speaking at the launch of MRI- HIFU in the city on Thursday said, "Four out of every 10 women suffer from uterine fibroids. This MRI-HIFU will bring a big symptomatic relief to women across the country."

Talking about future plans he said, "Right now it is launched in our Delhi hospital. We plan to make this option available at all our hospitals across India soon, by constituting fibroid clinics, where our gynaecologists sit."

The MRI Guided HIFU equipment manufactured by Philips combines magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

The MR-HIFU system uses safe and focused ultrasound waves to heat and coagulate tumour tissue deep inside the body without damaging the intervening tissue. The temperature is monitored.

The procedure takes about three hours and is not done under anaesthesia. In a few hours after the treatment, the patients can return home.

Those who had undergone the procedure had reported great symptomatic relief .

This procedure costs anywhere between 70,000 and 90,000, and doctors said for young women who have fibroids, this treatment allows them to conceive, unlike in other traditional methods of surgical procedures.

Krishna Kumar, president, Philips Healthcare India, was also present.