What to Expect with the Acessa® Procedure

If your doctor has talked to you about the Acessa® procedure, chances are you’ve been living with fibroids and the symptoms that come along with them—symptoms like extreme periods, stomach swelling and bloating, leg and back pain, stomach and pelvic pain, digestive issues, anemia, pain during sex, and frequent urination.

Ugh. No wonder you’re looking for relief.

That’s why so many women in your situation are excited to discover minimally invasive ways to treat fibroids that doesn’t involve a hysterectomy.
The Acessa procedure is laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation, or Lap RFA, designed to treat fibroids. It works by delivering heat (radiofrequency) directly into a fibroid to destroy the proteins of the tissue. Now, you may be wondering if the Acessa procedure is right for you! Although only you and your doctor can make that decision, we’re here to give you some more information about what to expect so you’re as informed as possible.

Length of the procedure
Acessa is an outpatient procedure (no overnight hospital stay—yay!). How long the procedure takes varies based on the number and size of the fibroids. Typically, the entire procedure from anesthesia to waking up lasts 1-2 hours.1 It may take longer for more fibroids or complications, but most patients get cleared to go home within 2 hours.2

How long recovery takes
As with any medical procedure, it’s important to rest and follow your doctor’s instructions when you return home. Most women feel ready to return to work after 4-5 days.3

When you see relief from your symptoms
This will really depend on the size of your fibroid(s) and what symptoms you were experiencing. Studies have shown that it typically takes 3-12 months for symptoms to improve, although that varies from woman to woman.3-6

Keep talking to your doctor
We understand that any medical procedure can feel a bit overwhelming, but the best way to feel in control is to educate yourself on your options—so congratulations for taking that step! Make sure you discuss all your questions with your doctor, who will also explain the benefits and risks of the Acessa procedure and other treatment options.

 
If you need to locate a doctor who performs the Acessa procedure, simply click here to use the Physician Finder tool: https://GynSurgicalSolutions.com/patients/treatment-options/acessa/

 
Important Safety Information
The Acessa ProVu system is intended to identify and shrink symptomatic uterine fibroids. The Acessa ProVu system is used by trained physicians during laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. Rare but serious risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to, infection, internal injury, blood loss and complications related to laparoscopic surgery and/or general anesthesia. This procedure is not recommended for women who are planning future pregnancy. This information is not medical advice. Please discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to find out if the Acessa procedure may be right for you.

 
References:

  1. Braun KM, Sheridan M, Latif EZ, et al. Surgeons’ early experience with the Acessa™ procedure: gaining proficiency with new technology. Int J Women’s Health. 2016;8:669-675.
  2. Rattray DD, Weins L, Regush LC, Bowen JM, O’Reilly D, Thiel JA. Clinical outcomes and health care utilization pre- and post-laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of symptomatic fibroids and laparoscopic myomectomy: a randomized trial of uterine-sparing techniques (TRUST) in Canada. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res. 2018 Apr 5;10:201-212. doi: 10.2147/CEOR.S155038. PMID: 29670382; PMCID: PMC5894744.
  3. Chudnoff SG, Berman JM, Levine DJ, Harris M, Guido RS, Banks E. Outpatient procedure for the treatment and relief of symptomatic uterine myomas. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;121(5):1075-1082.
  4. Lin L, Ma H, Wang J, et al. Quality of life, adverse events, and reintervention outcomes after radio frequency ablation for symptomatic uterine fibroids: a meta-analysis. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2019;26(3):409-416.
  5. Havryliuk Y, Setton R, Carlow JJ, Shaktman BD. Management of symptomatic fibroids: review and meta-analysis of the literature. JSLS. 2017;21(3):e2017.00041.
  6. Berman JM, Guido RS, Leal JGG, et al. Three-years outcome from the Halt trial: a prospective analysis of radio frequency volumetric thermal ablation of myomas. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2014;21(5):767-774.
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