Transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis for conservative management of uterine myomas

Hwang, In Taek; Rho, Jeong Hoon; Kim, Ki Hwan

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis of uterine myomas.
METHODS
67 women who had undergone transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis of uterine myomas at Eulji university hospital between May 2005 and March 2006 were participated in this study. Pre-procedural transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonographic evaluation was done for measurement of the size, numbers, location, and volume of the myomas. 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure the numbers and size of the myomas were measured by the same examiner. And also improvement of menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and any symptoms like urinary frequency and pelvic pain that were caused by compression of the myomas were observed on every visit.
RESULTS
The average age of the patients were 42.2 years. The average number of myomas were 1.18, the average of the maximal diameter was 5.52 cm, and the average volume was 89.9 cm3. The average procedure time was 15.1 minutes, and the average procedure frequency was 1.4 times. 1 month, 3 moths, and 6 months after the procedure the average maximal diameter of the myomas were decreased by 14.2%, 22.8%, and 29.8% respectively and the average volume decreased by 34.9%, 52.5%, and 63.6% respectively. 8 women who had no early symptoms and who were postmenopaused were excluded and from the other 59 women, 45 women and 37 women had been confirmed of their symptoms after 3 months and 6 months of the procedure respectively. 86.7%, 82.8% of the group had improvement of dysmenorrhea, and 65.2%, 60% had improvement of menorrhagia after 3 months and 6 months of procedure respectively. The group which had both symptoms, 85% and 81.2% had improvement. There were post-procedural complications of lower abdominal pain in 7 women, vaginal bleeding in 1 woman and in 1 case the patient was transferred to the department of internal medicine due to post-procedural fever and abdominal discomfort. No other major complications were found.
CONCLUSION
Transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis had benefits in conserving the uterus, and was less invasive and had great effect on the reduction of size of the myomas and improving the symptoms. So this method could be a effective alternative treatment for uterine myomas.