Susceptibility of uterine myomas and endometrium to cryosurgery using a carbon dioxide cryosurgical probe in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of a 9-mm diameter carbon dioxide cryoprobe, the Endocryo, on myomas and endometrial/myometrial tissue in vitro.


METHODS
Comparative laboratory study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).


METHODS
University laboratory.


METHODS
Women with and without myomas, undergoing hysterectomy.


METHODS
A single 5-minute freeze followed by an active thaw was applied to uterine myomas and endometrial/myometrial tissue in vitro.


RESULTS
Endometrial/myometrial and uterine myoma temperature change was measured continuously during the cryosurgical procedure. Depth of cell death was measured using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase enzyme assay. There was no significant difference in temperature change and depth of cell death between myomas and endometrial/myometrial tissue in vitro.


CONCLUSIONS
The Endocryo produces the same cryosurgical effect on both uterine myomas and endometrial/myometrial tissue in vitro, an important principal for future development of a clinically effective cryosurgical device for the treatment of menorrhagia in the presence of submucous myomas.
Bodle
Julia F
JF
Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint James's University Hospital, Leeds University, Leeds, UK. juliabodle@doctors.org.uk
Duffy
Sean R G
SR
Binney
David M
DM
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D016923:Cell Death; D003452:Cryosurgery; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide