Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels: a new method for treating symptomatic fibroids.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels in treating symptomatic fibroids.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
University-affiliated tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Eighty-seven women with symptomatic fibroids warranting surgical treatment and wanting to retain their uteri.


METHODS
Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine arteries and anastomotic sites of uterine arteries with ovarian arteries.


METHODS
Percentage reduction in the dominant fibroid size and clinical response evaluation.


RESULTS
Eighty-five (97.7%) of 87 patients underwent technically successful laparoscopic coagulation of uterine vessels without intraoperative complications. The mean follow-up time was 10.2 months. Symptomatic improvement was reported in 76 (89.4%) of 85 patients, including 18 (21.2%) with complete resolution of symptoms. Significant reductions in the dominant fibroid size (average, 76%) and the uterine volume (average, 46%) were sonographically demonstrated. Two patients conceived 4 and 9 months, respectively, after treatment. Three (3.5%) premenopausal women became postmenopausal postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels appears to be a promising new method for treating fibroid-related menorrhagia and pelvic pain.
Liu
W M
WM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Rd., (112) Taipei, Taiwan.
Ng
H T
HT
Wu
Y C
YC
Yen
Y K
YK
Yuan
C C
CC
D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D010053:Ovary / Q000098:blood supply; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*
D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone