InSightec Ltd. announced that Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) has approved the company’s ExAblate(R) MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) system for the treatment of women with uterine fibroids. ExAblate is currently the only noninvasive treatment for uterine fibroids approved for use in Japan. Approximately 25% Japanese women will develop symptomatic uterine fibroids, primarily during childbearing years. These benign tumors can significantly impair functionality and degrade quality of life resulting in significant work absences.

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According to research published in the November issue of The Journal of Urology the location of the tumor in the renal pelvis compared to the ureter doesn’t predict cancer-specific mortality, in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). The researchers found that patients with primary renal pelvis tumors were more likely to be female than patients with ureteral primary tumors.

A new study has indicated that endometriosis, in which cells from the lining of the uterus grow in other regions such as fallopian tubes and ovaries, can also be quickly and accurately identified by a small test. Researchers led by Ian Fraser at the University of Sydney and Maomar al-Jefout of Mu’tah University found that a small tissue sample taken from the uterine lining with a device inserted through the vagina works just as well. This condition of the uterus, which is linked to infertility, painful periods and pain during sexual intercourse, until now could only be detected through surgery.

The Blackpool Victoria Hospital has brought botox in use for the treatment of bladder problems. The cosmetic drug used to produce a smooth brow and wrinkle-free face is now being put to use in treating patients with overactive bladders. The response from patients has been good too. The procedure lasts for about 18 months and the effects are completely reversible. Botox has been given NICE approval to be used for this technique. A neuro-toxin that paralyzes the nerve endings which tell muscles to relax, botox can be injected directly into the bladder to treat an over-active bladder. It is a less invasive option.