Oxytocin Administration Improves Efficiency of HIFU Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to investigate whether there was any benefit of administrating oxytocin during magnetic resonance-guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of uterine fibroids. Methods: Forty women who underwent HIFU ablation of uterine fibroids were divided into two groups, one received IV oxytocin infusion during the procedure and the other did not. The total energy used and sonication time required to reach 60°C as well as acoustic energy for increasing 1°C of temperature at the single point were noted. In addition, MR measures including initial and final perfused volume of fibroid as well as the mean fibroid volume change after 6 months were evaluated. All data were compared between the two groups. Results: The average total sonication energy required to reach 60°C and the energy required for increasing 1°C at a single point were both significantly greater in the patients who did not receive oxytocin. It also took much longer to sonicate a single point in this group (p<0.01). The non-perfused volume measured at the end of the procedure as well as mean change in fibroid volume measured six months later were both significantly larger in patients with oxytocin administration (p<0.05). The remaining parameters did not show significant difference between both groups. Conclusion: Oxytocin administration improves efficiency and efficacy of HIFU ablation of uterine fibroids.