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

Journal Article · Mon Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 2010 · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/S00270-009-9707-3· OSTI ID:21429060

Carrafiello, Gianpaolo; Recaldini, Chiara; Fontana, Federico ^[1]; Ghezzi, Fabio ^[2]; Cuffari, Salvatore ^[3]; Lagana, Domenico; Fugazzola, Carlo ^[1]

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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, Journal Name: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 33; ISSN 0174-1551; ISSN CAIRDG
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ABLATION
BODY
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DISEASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FEMALE GENITALS
NEOPLASMS
ORGANS
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SYMPTOMS
ULTRASONOGRAPHY
UTERUS