Lanzarote Hospital Pioneers New Treatment
The Hospital Universitario Doctor José Molina Orosa in Arrecife has introduced a new minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids, becoming the first hospital in the Canary Islands to incorporate microwave ablation for this condition.
The new technique gives selected patients another treatment option and is part of the hospital’s continuing expansion of specialist women’s healthcare on Lanzarote.
What has the Molina Orosa Hospital introduced?
The hospital’s Gynaecology and Obstetrics team has begun using microwave ablation to treat certain uterine fibroids. According to the Canary Islands Government, three procedures have so far been carried out, with satisfactory results.
Doctors reported that the treatment reduced the size of the fibroids and improved associated symptoms in those initial cases.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are relatively common and can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain and, in some cases, fertility problems.
Not every fibroid causes symptoms, and treatment depends on factors such as its size, location, symptoms and the individual patient.
How does microwave ablation work?
Microwave ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses microwave energy to create controlled heat inside the fibroid. The heat destroys the targeted tissue, allowing the fibroid to shrink over time.
Unlike conventional surgery, the technique does not require a surgical incision. The Molina Orosa team says this can allow a faster recovery and reduce some of the complications associated with traditional surgery.
Importantly, this is not a treatment that is automatically suitable for every patient. The Canary Islands Government says candidates are assessed by a specialist, with the technique being considered particularly for women of reproductive age experiencing heavy bleeding or infertility associated with fibroids.
A new option for women in Lanzarote
The introduction of microwave ablation is significant for Lanzarote because it expands the range of treatments available locally. The hospital has previously introduced other minimally invasive thermal-ablation techniques, including microwave treatment for selected tumours and radiofrequency treatment for benign thyroid nodules.
The aim of these techniques is to treat specific conditions while avoiding or reducing the need for conventional surgery in suitable cases.
Growing women’s healthcare services
The new fibroid treatment comes as the hospital’s Gynaecology service continues to grow. The Canary Islands Government reports that 8,547 gynaecology consultations were carried out during the first six months of 2026, compared with 4,326 during the same period in 2023.
The department now has 19 specialist doctors and 11 nursing-care technicians. The hospital says its staffing has been strengthened compared with 2023, helping it respond to increasing demand for specialist women’s healthcare.
What does this mean for residents and visitors to Lanzarote?
For residents, the development means that selected patients may now have access to another locally available treatment option for uterine fibroids.
For visitors and tourists, there is no reason to view this development as a health concern connected with visiting Lanzarote. This is a positive piece of local healthcare news about the island’s public hospital and its specialist medical services.
The Hospital Universitario Doctor José Molina Orosa is the main public hospital serving Lanzarote and is located in Arrecife. As with any medical treatment, access to the new procedure depends on clinical assessment and the advice of the appropriate healthcare professionals.
A step forward in minimally invasive treatment in Lanzarote
The introduction of microwave ablation for uterine fibroids highlights the continuing development of specialist healthcare in Lanzarote. Rather than replacing every existing treatment, the technique adds another option for carefully selected patients.
The first three procedures have produced satisfactory results, and the hospital will continue to assess how the technique can be used within its Gynaecology and Obstetrics service.
