Laparoscopic radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation of uterine myomas with 12 months of follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
To confirm the results of an earlier study assessing the safety and efficacy of a laparoscopic radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation (RFVTA) system among women with symptomatic myomas.


METHODS
In a prospective study at the Hospital of Francisco Marroquin University, Guatemala City, consecutive premenopausal women with symptomatic myomas seeking uterine-sparing treatment were enrolled between August 2008 and July 2011. The women were treated by RFVTA. Uterine fibroid symptom and health-related quality-of-life (UFS-QOL) questionnaires were completed at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months.


RESULTS
Among 114 women screened, 36 were enrolled (ages 33-51 years), and 35 were followed for 12 months. Symptom severity scores reduced significantly (P<0.05): baseline (63.3), 3 months (23.1), 6 months (15.4), 12 months (9.6). Health-related quality-of-life scores improved significantly (P<0.05): baseline (37.3), 3 months (79.9), 6 months (85.1), 12 months (87.7). The mean ± SD difference in uterine volume from baseline (215.2 ± 117.9 cm(3)) to 12 months (167.0 ± 120.8 cm(3)) was 48.2 cm(3) (95% CI: -22.8 to 119.2; P=0.192). Nine adverse events among 8 individuals were minor and unrelated to the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
RFVTA of fibroids resulted in significantly improved symptom severity and quality-of-life scores and provides an outpatient uterine-sparing option for treatment of myomas.
Hospital of Francisco Marroquin University, Guatemala City, Guatemala. roroblesp@yahoo.com
Rodolfo
R
Robles
Vicente A
VA
Aguirre
Ana I
AI
Argueta
Maria R
MR
Guerrero
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006166:Guatemala; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D017697:Premenopause; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*