Laparoscopically assisted uterine fibroid cryoablation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of the study was to develop a safe and effective cryoablation technique for the treatment of uterine fibroids.

STUDY DESIGN:

This was a multicenter pilot case series to evaluate cryoablation of uterine fibroids using laparoscopically assisted placement of 17-gauge cryoablation needles. Patient satisfaction was documented with a validated Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire. Procedural efficacy was evaluated by assessing fibroid shrinkage. Treatment was followed by assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS:

Median fibroid volume reduction was 43.3% (19 patients) and 66.4% (15 patients) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Median UFS-QOL score improvement was 61.9% and 66.7% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Additionally, patients experienced marked improvement of bleeding and fibroid bulk symptoms. The median Symptom Severity Score at baseline was 50, 25.0 (-59%) at 6 months, and 12.5 (-66.7%) at 12 months.

CONCLUSION:

These pilot data indicate that uterine fibroid cryoablation is a safe and effective minimally invasive alternative to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids.

• Authors: Moty Pansky, Bryan D Cowan, Maya Frank, Harriette L Hampton, Stephen Zimberg
• Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 201 Issue 6 Pg. 571.e1-7 (Dec 2009) ISSN: 1097-6868 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19716538 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study)

Topics

• Adult
• Cryosurgery (instrumentation)
• Female
• Humans
• Laparoscopy
• Leiomyoma (surgery)
• Middle Aged
• Needles
• Pilot Projects
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Uterine Neoplasms (surgery)