title: Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation for Uterine Adenomyosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Symptomatic uterine adenomyosis, unresponsive to medical therapy, is a challenging condition for patients who desire to preserve their uterus. This study was an evaluation of the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic radiofrequency thermal ablation of symptomatic nodular uterine adenomyosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen women with symptomatic nodular adenomyosis, who had no plans for pregnancy but declined hysterectomy, underwent radiofrequency thermal ablation. Ultrasonography was performed at baseline and at postoperative follow-ups at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The impact of uterine adenomyosis-related symptoms was assessed according to the visual analog scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median number of nodular lesions treated per patient was 1 (range, 1-2). The median baseline volume of the adenomyosis area was 60 cm(3) (range, 18-128). The median reduction in volume was 32, 49.4, 59.6, and 65.4% at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. A significant progressive improvement in the symptoms score was observed at the 4 follow-ups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this study, laparoscopic radiofrequency thermal ablation reduced uterine adenomyosis-related symptoms and volume, with significant relief of symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology and Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery, Sacred Heart Hospital, Negrar Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scarperi
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology and Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery, Sacred Heart Hospital, Negrar Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pontrelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology, Policlinico Abano Terme, Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: Colette
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Campana
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bolzano Hospital, Bolzano, Italy.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steinkasserer
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology, Policlinico Abano Terme, Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ercoli
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology and Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery, Sacred Heart Hospital, Negrar Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Minelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Valentino
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bergamini
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology and Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery, Sacred Heart Hospital, Negrar Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ceccaroni
mesh_terms: D062788:Adenomyosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography; D064232:Visual Analog Scale
keywords: Ablation; Adenomyosis; Dysmenorrhea; Laparoscopy; Radiofrequency