Radiofrequency Ablation of Uterine Fibroids and Pregnancy Outcomes: An Updated Review of the Literature

Unveiling the advantages of laparoscopic myomectomy: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes and complications compared with traditional open surgery

AIMS

To compare the outcomes of laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) and open myomectomy (OM) by reviewing the frequency, type and severity of complications reported by the Clavien-Dindo classification. In addition, this study evaluated differences in blood loss, length of operative time and hospital stay between these two surgical approaches.

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted from their inception to January 2024 to identify studies comparing LM and OM with detailed surgical complications reported. The random effect model was applied, and the odds ratio was used for the main outcomes, with effect sizes presented alongside 95 % confidence intervals (CI). A p-value < 0.05 was considered to indicate significance.

RESULTS

Of 296 studies identified, nine studies (total 224 patients) were included. LM was found to be associated with significantly lower rates of overall postoperative complications compared with OM. With no statistical heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 0 %), the overall effect size was 0.67 (95 % CI 0.45-0.99), indicating a significant association between postoperative complications and open surgery (p = 0.04). Regarding Clavien-Dindo complications >grade 3, the overall effect size was 1.55 (95 % CI 0.47-5.08), indicating a non-significant association between grade 3 complications and surgical approach (p = 0.47). Despite superimposable operative time (effect size 1.40, 95 % CI 0.70-2.79; p = 0.342), LM showed significantly lower mean blood loss compared with OM, with an overall effect size of 0.34 (95 % CI 0.12-1.00; p = 0.049). The duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LM group (2.0 vs 3.1 days), with an overall effect size of 0.09 (95 % CI 0.05-0.18), strongly associating the laparoscopic approach with reduced hospitalization stay (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

LM offers favourable outcomes compared with OM for the treatment of uterine myomas. Despite a slightly longer operative time, LM was found to be associated with lower rates of postoperative complications and reduced hospital stay. These findings support the preference for LM for the treatment of uterine myomas, highlighting its potential to improve patient outcomes and recovery.

Outcomes of transvaginal radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic leiomyomas

OBJECTIVE

Describe the effect of transvaginal radiofrequency ablation for leiomyoma in symptomatic patients and post procedure follow-up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective forward-looking observational study was performed including 63 patients who underwent transvaginal radiofrequency ablation between January 2016 and December 2022 at San Cecilio University Hospital in Granada, Spain. The variables registered were: age, parity, the clinical features that lead to the medical visit and pre-surgical treatment. Prior to the procedure, leiomyoma location and volume were determined by transvaginal ultrasound. Follow-ups were scheduled at 6 and 12 months to evaluate symptom improvement, adverse outcomes, leiomyoma volume and if any necessary post-surgical treatment was required.

RESULTS

Mean leiomyoma volume at baseline, 6 months and 12 months was 83.3 (24.9-130.7), 42.4 (4.7-89.0) and 19.2 (1.9-80.4) cm3, respectively (p < .001). Significant differences were found between the baseline and 12 month visits (p < .001). At the annual follow-up, the mean rate of volume reduction was 79.5 %, being higher in women who reported symptom improvement compared to those who reported no change in symptom intensity from baseline (84.6% vs. 30.8 %). Patients with a lower initial volume and age over 40 were more likely to have treatment efficacy. 8 pregnancies were registered post procedure.

CONCLUSION

Radiofrequency is well tolerated, allowing for same-day discharge, rapid recovery and a safe approach for women who want to preserve their reproductive potential. Initial volume and age over 40 appear to be factors that should be considered in patient selection. Further studies are needed to continue evaluating the outcomes and identifying predictive factors.

An Updated Review of Thermal Ablation Technology for Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis: Focusing on Protecting Fertility

There is a growing trend towards minimally invasive or noninvasive alternatives for gynecological disorders due to their rapid alleviation of symptom, expedited recovery, and minimal risks of postoperative complications. Thermal ablation technology has been commonly advocated as a minimally invasive therapeutic methods in recent years, including microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound. The increasing application scenarios require updated and systematic research, and more evidence to promote their appropriate use. The objective of this review is to summarize the latest views of ablation from a prospective of fertility protection, endeavor to clarify the clinical value of thermal ablation technology in protecting fertility by assessing parameters such as ablation rates, alleviation of disease symptoms, re-intervention rates and post-treatment pregnancy rates. We review the clinical studies of ablation for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis treatment in the past 10 years, summarize the limitation and the prospects of its development in the treatment process, so as to provide clinicians with advice on the best practice. In the management of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, thermal ablation technology offers improved fertility preservation and minimizes normal tissue injury compared to traditional surgical approaches for patients pursuing reproductive goals. In the future, thermal ablation technology will play a significantly enhanced role in preserving fertility for individuals requiring treatment for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, guided by indications. But further research is still needed in the form of more extensive randomized prospective trials to provide stronger evidence supporting this perspective.

Transvaginal radiofrequency ablation: a therapeutic option for managing symptomatic uterine fibroids in women with reproductive desires

Objective

To evaluate whether transvaginal radiofrequency (RF) ablation of fibroids is a technique that can be offered to women with reproductive desires.

Design

Unicentric, prospective, observational study.

Setting

University Hospital.

Patients

Twenty-seven individuals who desired to become mothers after undergoing RF ablation for symptomatic fibroids.

Interventions

Transvaginal RF ablation for symptomatic fibroids with a maximum total volume of 145 cm3.

Main Outcome Measures

The reduction in the size of the fibroids, improvement of symptoms, and reproductive outcomes during the 24 months after the ablation. For patients who achieved pregnancy, we assessed the type of conception, course of gestation, type of delivery, neonatal outcomes, and occurrence of both maternal and fetal complications.

Results

A statistically significant reduction in symptoms related to the fibroids 6 months after the ablation was demonstrated through the implementation of the Symptom Severity Scale. No patient required hospitalization after the procedure, and on average from the third day after intervention, they resumed their work activities without the need for analgesics. Among those patients who attempted pregnancy during the 24-month follow-up period, 73.68 % (14/19) achieved motherhood. There were no cases of uterine rupture, premature birth, or intrauterine fetal death.

Conclusions

Radiofrequency ablation for fibroids seems to be a promising, safe, and low-complexity alternative that does not appear to interfere with the development of a normal term gestation.

Laparoscopic Multibipolar Radiofrequency Myolysis for Symptomatic Myomas in 10 Steps

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To describe a minimal invasive 10-step technique of laparoscopic multibipolar radiofrequency myolysis for symptomatic myomas.

DESIGN

A step-by-step video demonstration of the technique.

SETTING

A woman with symptomatic FIGO 5 myoma of 60 mm of diameter, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online including social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites (such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, etc.) and other applicable sites.

INTERVENTIONS

Approximately 30% of women of child-bearing age with myomas will present with symptoms [1] that include chronic pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding or infertility [2,3]. Data regarding fertility preservation and obstetric outcomes suggest that radiofrequency myoma ablation may offer an alternative to existing treatments for women who desire future fertility [4]. The local institutional review board stated that approval was not required because the video describes a technique and not a clinical case. In our center, all radiofrequency indications are discussed during a monthly multidisciplinary myomas meeting. This video presents the procedure divided into the following 10 steps: planning of the surgery; materials; installation; laparoscopic exploration; transvaginal ultrasound examination; visual and transvaginal ultrasound guided transparietal puncture of the myoma; control of the applicators' position; radiofrequency myolysis; end of myolysis, applicators removal; final check and additional procedures.

CONCLUSION

Radiofrequency myolysis is a simple and reproductible procedure that can be offered as an alternative to myomectomy [5]. This video presents 10 steps to make the procedure easier to adopt and to reduce its learning curve.

The challenge of FIGO type 3 leiomyomas and infertility: Exploring therapeutic alternatives amidst limited scientific certainties

Uterine leiomyomas (ULs) are non-cancerous tumors composed of smooth muscle cells that develop within the myometrium and represent the most prevalent pathological condition affecting the female genital tract. Despite the volume of available research, many aspects of ULs remain unresolved, making it a "paradoxical disease" where the increase in available scientific literature has not been matched by an increase in solid evidence for clinical management. Fertility stands at the top of the list of clinical issues where the role of ULs is still unclear. The leiomyoma subclassification system, released by the International Federaion of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) in 2008, introduced a new and more effective way of categorizing uterine fibroids. The aim was to go beyond the traditional classification "subserosal, intramural and submucosal", facilitating a detailed examination of individual ULs impact on the female reproductive system. The "type 3 UL" is a special type of myoma, characterized by its complete myometrial development while encroaching the endometrium. It is a unique "hybrid" between a submucous and an intramural UL, that may exert a detrimental "double hit" mechanism, which is of particular interest in patients wishing pregnancy. To date, no robust evidence is available regarding the management of type 3 ULs. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the physiopathological mechanisms that type 3 UL may exert on fertility, and to present new perspectives that may help us to better understand both the need for and the methods of treating this unique type of fibroid.

Uterine Leiomyoma Journey With Acessa ProVu System Using General Anesthesia Under Laparoscopic Ultrasound Guidance: A Case Report

This case report details the evaluation and management of a 40-year-old woman presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding and severe dysmenorrhea. Despite three months of combined oral contraceptives, symptoms persisted. The patient denied other systemic symptoms, with no weight loss, fatigue, or urinary/fecal symptoms. No visual, cardiovascular, pulmonary, abdominal, neurological, or mental health issues were reported. Pelvic imaging revealed a 7 cm × 4.3 cm FIGO 4 fibroid. The chosen treatment was laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (Acessa) due to its efficacy, safety, and faster recovery. The case highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating abnormal uterine bleeding.

Reproductive surgery: revisiting its origins and role in the modern management of fertility

For years, reproductive surgery was the mainstay of reproductive care. With the evolution and ultimate success of in vitro fertilization (IVF), reproductive surgery became an adjuvant therapy, indicated mainly for severe symptoms or to enhance success rates with assisted reproductive technologies. As success rates for IVF have plateaued, and emerging data rekindles the enormous benefits of surgically correcting reproductive pathologies, there is renewed interest among reproductive surgeons in reviving research and surgical expertise in this area. In addition, new instrumentation and surgical techniques to preserve fertility have gained traction and will solidify the need to have skilled reproductive endocrinology and infertility surgeons in our practice.

Therapeutic options for the management of abnormal uterine bleeding

Just as the investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is approached systematically using the two FIGO systems for AUB in the reproductive years, treatment options can be considered similarly. Therapeutic options fall into two categories-medical and surgical-and while medical management is typically regarded as first-line therapy, there are several exceptions defined by the presenting cause or causes, mainly when infertility is a concurrent issue. In the early 1990s, up to 60% of women underwent a hysterectomy for the symptom of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), but this figure has decreased. The number of women undergoing a hysterectomy for benign disorders continues to decline, along with an increase in hysterectomies performed using minimally invasive techniques. Discussions about therapeutic options are tailored to the individual patient, and we include the risks and benefits of each option, including no management, to enable the patient to make an informed choice. The different types of treatment options and the factors affecting decision-making are considered in this article.

Asherman Syndrome after Uterine Artery Embolization: A Cohort Study about Surgery Management and Fertility Outcomes

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To study the severity of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) after uterine arterial embolization and to evaluate fertility, pregnancy, and obstetrical outcomes after hysteroscopic treatment.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

French University Hospital.

PATIENTS

Thirty-three patients under the age of 40 years who were treated by uterine artery embolization with nonabsorbable microparticles between 2010 and 2020 for symptomatic fibroids or adenomyosis, or postpartum hemorrhage.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients had a diagnosis of IUA after embolization. All patients desired future fertility. IUA was treated with operative hysteroscopy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Severity of IUA, number of operative hysteroscopies performed to obtain a normal cavity shape, pregnancy rate, and obstetrical outcomes. Of our 33 patients, 81.8% had severe IUA (state IV et V according to the European Society of Gynecological Endoscopy or state III according to the American fertility society classification). To restore fertility potential, an average of 3.4 operative hysteroscopies had to be performed [CI 95% (2.56-4.16)]. We reported a very low rate of pregnancy (8/33, 24%). Obstetrical outcomes reported are 50% of premature birth and 62.5% of delivery hemorrhage partly due to 37.5% of placenta accreta. We also reported 2 neonatal deaths.

CONCLUSION

IUA after uterine embolization is severe, and more difficult to treat than other synechiae, probably related to endometrial necrosis. Pregnancy and obstetrical outcomes have shown a low pregnancy rate, an increased risk of preterm delivery, a high risk of placental disorders, and very severe postpartum hemorrhage. Those results have to alert gynecologists and radiologists to the use of uterine arterial embolization in women who desire future fertility.

Reproductive and Obstetric Outcomes after UAE, HIFU, and TFA of Uterine Fibroids: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Novel treatment options for uterine fibroids, such as uterine artery embolization (UAE), ultrasound-guided and magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU and MRgHIFU), and transcervical radiofrequency ablation (TFA) methods, are widely used in clinical practice. This systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42022297312) aims to assess and compare reproductive and obstetric outcomes in women who underwent these minimally invasive approaches for uterine fibroids. The search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Cochrane guidelines. The articles were selected to meet the following eligibility criteria: (1) research article, (2) human subject research, and (3) the study of pregnancy outcomes after the treatment of uterine fibroids by either one of three methods-UAE, HIFU, and TFA. The analysis of 25 eligible original articles shows a similar rate of live births for UAE, USgHIFU, MRgHIFU, and TFA (70.8%, 73.5%, 70%, and 75%, respectively). The number of pregnancies varied considerably among these studies, as well as the mean age of pregnant women. However, the results of pregnancy outcomes for TFA are insufficient to draw firm conclusions, since only 24 women became pregnant in these studies, resulting in three live births. The miscarriage rate was highest in the UAE group (19.2%). USgHIFU was associated with a higher rate of placental abnormalities compared to UAE (2.8% vs. 1.6%). The pooled estimate of pregnancies was 17.31% to 44.52% after UAE, 18.69% to 78.53% after HIFU, and 2.09% to 7.63% after TFA. The available evidence confirmed that these minimally invasive uterine-sparing treatment options for uterine fibroids are a good approach for patients wishing to preserve their fertility, with comparable reproductive and obstetric outcomes among the different techniques.

HYSTEROSCOPIC MYOMECTOMY

Leiomyomas are the most common pelvic tumors. Submucosal fibroids are a common cause of abnormal bleeding and infertility. Hysteroscopic myomectomy is the definitive management of symptomatic submucosal fibroids, with high efficacy and safety. Several techniques have been introduced over time and will be covered in depth in this manuscript. Advances in optics, fluid management, electrosurgery, smaller diameter scopes, and tissue removal systems, along with improved training have contributed to improving the safety and efficiency of hysteroscopic myomectomy.

Radiofrequency ablation methods for uterine sparing fibroid treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article provides a clinical review of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas.

RECENT FINDINGS

RFA is an effective and durable treatment for fibroids with sustained improvements in fibroid volume, bleeding, and patient reported outcomes with low reintervention rates. Although fertility data is limited, it is overall positive and may represent a uterine conserving and fertility preserving treatment modality.

SUMMARY

RFA is a safe and effective uterine preserving treatment option for symptomatic leiomyomas.