Focused Ultrasound Ablation for Uterine Fibroids

Abstract

The focused ultrasound ablation yields an encouraging therapeutic outcome for type 0-II submucosal fibroids, for which the laparatomy or/and laparoscopic surgeries have potential operative risks or tumor recurrence resulting from incomplete excision. Including the submucosal fibroids, all types of intramural uterine fibroids (type III-V), subserosal uterine fibroids with a base (≥2 cm) connecting the uterus, and special types of uterine fibroids (such as cervical uterine fibroid, broad ligament uterine fibroids, multiple uterine fibroids, diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis (DUL), and giant uterine fibroids) treated using focused ultrasound surgery are demonstrated. The therapeutic strategies, treatment techniques, focused ultrasound parameters, and MRI per-procedure assessment and posttreatment evaluation are described with a case-based approach in detail. The ablation efficacy, the corresponding outcome, and the possibility of re-treatment are discussed.