Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation for Uterine Myomas: Long-term Clinical Outcomes and Reinterventions

Abstract

Study ObjectiveTo assess the long-term efficacy and rate of reintervention after ultrasound-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) for uterine myomas. DesignA retrospective follow-up, cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SettingUniversity hospitals and private clinics. PatientsBetween November 1, 2007, and February 26, 2010, 66 consecutive women underwent ultrasound-guided RFA. InterventionsPatients underwent abdominal or vaginal ultrasound-guided RFA and were contacted for a long-term follow-up to complete the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life Score (UFS-QOL) questionnaire and optional ultrasound and examination. Measurements and Main ResultsSixty-six consecutive patients (mean age 45 ± 7 years) with type 2 to 5 symptomatic myomas per the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (median size = 122.5 cm3 [range, 24–675]) were included. Forty of 62 patients recruited for follow-up underwent no/minor hysteroscopic reinterventions; 35 patients from this group completed the UFS-QOL questionnaire and showed sustained and improved symptom severity scores (100-point scale) from baseline (57.2 ± 16.6) to long-term follow-up (23.8 ± 20.8, p < .001). Twenty-two patients (35%) had major reinterventions (15 hysterectomies and 7 myomectomies). Six of the 22 patients underwent major reinterventions for reasons other than myoma-related complaints. The estimated major reintervention rate because of myoma-related symptoms determined by the Kaplan-Meier method was 13.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7%–25%) after 2 years and 29.1% (95% CI, 19%–43%) after 5 years. Women ≥45 years of age had a major reintervention rate of 12% (95% CI, 5%–26%) after 2 years and 19% (95% CI, 10%–35%) after 5 years, and women <45 years had a major reintervention rate of 35.0% (95% CI, 19%–60%) and 73.8% (95% CI, 52%–92%) after 2 and 5 years, respectively. Fewer major reinterventions occurred in women with only 1 RFA-treated myoma (volume ≤180 cm3, diameter <7 cm) than women with more than 1 RFA-treated myoma (>180 cm3, p < .01). The Kaplan-Meier estimates for reintervention in women with only 1 RFA-treated myoma with a volume ≤180 cm3 were 13% (95% CI, 6–28%) and 26% (95% CI, 14%–45%) after 2 and 5 years, respectively. No patients with morphologic myoma characteristics underwent reinterventions. ConclusionUltrasound-guided RFA for uterine myomas is an alternative treatment option especially for women ≥45 years of age with only 1 myoma (volume ≤180 cm3) and warrants further evaluation.