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Title: Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation of Uterine Fibroids: Medium-Term Follow-Up

Journal Article · · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
; ;  [1];  [2];  [3]; ;  [1]
  1. Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, University of Insubria, Department of Radiology (Italy)
  2. Ospedale F. Del Ponte, University of Insubria, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Italy)
  3. Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, University of Insubria, Service of Anesthesiology (Italy)

Previous studies have shown that radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) of uterine fibroids through a percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided procedure is an effective and safe minimally invasive treatment, with encouraging short-term results. The aim of this study was to assess the results in terms of volume reduction and clinical symptoms improvement in the midterm follow-up of fibroids with a diameter of up to 8 cm. Eleven premenopausal females affected by symptomatic fibroids underwent percutaneous US-guided RFA. Symptom severity and reduction in volume were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The mean symptom score (SSS) before the procedure was 50.30 (range 31.8-67.30), and the average quality of life (QOL) score value was 62 (range 37.20-86.00). The mean basal diameter was 5.5 cm (range 4.4-8) and the mean volume was 101.5 cm{sup 3} (range 44.58-278 cm{sup 3}). The mean follow-up was 9 months (range 3-12 months). The mean SSS value at the end of the follow-up was 13.38 (range 0-67.1) and the QOL 90.4 (range 43.8-100). At follow-up the mean diameter was 3.0 cm (range 1.20-4.5 cm), and the mean volume was 18 cm{sup 3} (range 0.90-47.6 cm{sup 3}). In 10 of 11 patients we obtained total or partial regression of symptoms. In one case the clinical manifestations persisted and it was thus considered unsuccessful. In conclusion, US-guided percutaneous RFA is a safe and effective treatment even for fibroids up to 8 cm.

OSTI ID:
21429060
Journal Information:
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Vol. 33, Issue 1; Conference: BSIR (British Society of Interventional Radiology) 2009 annual meeting, Brighton (United Kingdom), 4-6 Nov 2009; Other Information: DOI: 10.1007/s00270-009-9707-3; Copyright (c) 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE); Article Copyright (c) 2009 The Author(s); ISSN 0174-1551
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English