title: Laparoscopically assisted uterine fibroid cryoablation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the study was to develop a safe and effective cryoablation technique for the treatment of uterine fibroids.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a multicenter pilot case series to evaluate cryoablation of uterine fibroids using laparoscopically assisted placement of 17-gauge cryoablation needles. Patient satisfaction was documented with a validated Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire. Procedural efficacy was evaluated by assessing fibroid shrinkage. Treatment was followed by assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median fibroid volume reduction was 43.3% (19 patients) and 66.4% (15 patients) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Median UFS-QOL score improvement was 61.9% and 66.7% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Additionally, patients experienced marked improvement of bleeding and fibroid bulk symptoms. The median Symptom Severity Score at baseline was 50, 25.0 (-59%) at 6 months, and 12.5 (-66.7%) at 12 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These pilot data indicate that uterine fibroid cryoablation is a safe and effective minimally invasive alternative to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids.
authors.affiliation: Endoscopy Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asaf Harofe Medical Center Zerifin, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Moty
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pansky
authors.forename: Bryan D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Cowan
authors.forename: Maya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.forename: Harriette L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Hampton
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zimberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*