Directed laparoscopic cryomyolysis for symptomatic leiomyomata: one-year follow up.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of laparoscopic cryomyolysis as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of symptomatic uterine myomas in menstruating women.


METHODS
Open, one-arm pilot study (Canadian Task Force classification II).


METHODS
University-affiliated public hospital.


METHODS
Twenty patients with symptomatic uterine myomas were treated with directed cryomyolysis. All had reported abnormal bleeding and/or pelvic pain/pressure and/or urinary frequency. Myoma diameters varied from 4 to 10 cm.


METHODS
One-year follow-up after laparoscopic-directed cryomyolysis.


RESULTS
Laparoscopic cryomyolysis was performed using the Her Option Cryoablation Unit (American Medical Systems, Minneapolis, MN). Patients were evaluated 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. Power color Doppler ultrasound was performed preoperatively and postoperatively to demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique in reducing or eliminating the primary blood supply to the myomas, as well documenting regression of the myomas. All patients reported a high rate of satisfaction with the treatment including absence of symptoms 12 months after surgery, with no bleeding and no myoma-related symptoms, comparable with patients who underwent hysterectomy. Mean shrinkage of myoma volume increased until 9 months after surgery (59.5% +/- 13.2%), reaching a steady mean-volume reduction of approximately 60% (61.9% +/- 11.9%) 12 months after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Directed laparoscopic cryomyolysis appears to be an effective and safe technique for providing rapid symptom relief and at least 12 months' effectiveness in the treatment of symptomatic uterine leiomyomas.
Zupi
Errico
E
Department of Gynecology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy. ezupi@libero.it
Marconi
Daniela
D
Sbracia
Marco
M
Exacoustos
Caterina
C
Piredda
Alessio
A
Sorrenti
G
G
Townsend
Duane
D
D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*