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Transvaginal radiofrequency thermal ablation: A day-care approach to symptomatic uterine myomas
Article first published online: 3 JUN 2008
DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2008.00855.x
© 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2008 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Issue
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Volume 48, Issue 3, pages 296–301, June 2008
Additional Information
How to Cite
CHO, H. H., KIM, J. H. and KIM, M. R. (2008), Transvaginal radiofrequency thermal ablation: A day-care approach to symptomatic uterine myomas. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 48: 296–301. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2008.00855.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 3 JUN 2008
- Article first published online: 3 JUN 2008
- Received 09 January 2008; accepted 10 January 2008.
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- coagulation;
- quality of life;
- radiofrequency;
- uterine myoma
Background: In patients with myoma, the traditional surgical treatment of choice is myomectomy for women who wish to retain their uterus. However, myomectomy must be performed under general anaesthesia, and the patient requires a long time to recover.
Aims: In the present study, we report our experience with a group of patients who underwent transvaginal radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation of uterine myomas, with emphasis on the safety and efficacy of this procedure.
Methods: Premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine myoma or recently growing myoma were included in this study. The pre- and postoperative myoma volumes were measured by 3D ultrasonography. The impact of the symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQL) was assessed using the Uterine Fibroids Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire.
Results: The mean initial size of the dominant myoma was 5.3 cm (standard deviation ± 1.58). The reoperation rate was 4.3%. The final reduction rate of the volume of the dominant fibroid was 73%. The symptom scores and HRQL scores showed great improvement after 18 months of myolysis.
Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that RF ablation may represent a safe, well-tolerated, and effective day-care alternative to conventional surgery for the treatment of uterine myomas.