The Hospices Civils de Lyon are becoming pioneers of an innovative treatment for endometriosis. Developed in collaboration with INSERM and the company EDAP-TMS, the high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technique marks a turning point in the management of severe forms of the disease. First tested in 2015, it is now routinely used in Lyon, making the city of lights the first center in the world to deploy this treatment on a large scale.
A fast, effective treatment without surgery
Adapted by Professor Gil Dubernard, this technology, originally designed for prostate cancer, enables precise targeting of affected areas. Result: a rapid procedure, without major surgery, incision, or scarring, and a return home on the same day. Patients experience a significant decrease in pain, with no impact on their fertility. It's a game changer for a condition that affects one in ten women of childbearing age.
Tested on over 140 patients, the method reached a pivotal milestone in March 2025 with the achievement of European certification. This validation confirms its efficacy and safety, positioning Lyon as a key player in medical innovation. Starting this year, around a hundred patients will be able to benefit from this treatment each year at the Hospices Civils de Lyon.
Recognition sInternational Scientific and Medical
Since 2024, nearly 1,000 patients are welcomed each year into facilities specifically designed to treat endometriosis. The goal: to provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis to treatment, in a supportive and human-centered environment. This holistic approach further enhances the impact of this innovation.
Already used for prostate cancer, the HIFU technique confirms its potential. The Hospices Civils de Lyon are no strangers to this field. Pioneers in this technology for over 25 years, they are now seeing its application recognized on a larger scale, especially with reimbursement from Health Insurance starting in January 2026 for certain indications.
Source: Lyon Capitale