Transvaginal radiofrequency thermal ablation: a day-care approach to symptomatic uterine myomas.
BACKGROUND
In patients with myoma, the traditional surgical treatment of choice is myomectomy for women who wish to retain their uterus. However, myomectomy must be performed under general anaesthesia, and the patient requires a long time to recover.


OBJECTIVE
In the present study, we report our experience with a group of patients who underwent transvaginal radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation of uterine myomas, with emphasis on the safety and efficacy of this procedure.


METHODS
Premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine myoma or recently growing myoma were included in this study. The pre- and postoperative myoma volumes were measured by 3D ultrasonography. The impact of the symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQL) was assessed using the Uterine Fibroids Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire.


RESULTS
The mean initial size of the dominant myoma was 5.3 cm (standard deviation +/- 1.58). The reoperation rate was 4.3%. The final reduction rate of the volume of the dominant fibroid was 73%. The symptom scores and HRQL scores showed great improvement after 18 months of myolysis.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that RF ablation may represent a safe, well-tolerated, and effective day-care alternative to conventional surgery for the treatment of uterine myomas.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University Medical College, Seoul, South Korea.
Hyun Hee
HH
Cho
Jin Hong
JH
Kim
Mee Ran
MR
Kim
D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017697:Premenopause; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D014621:Vagina