Transvaginal Radiofrequency Research Articles

Pregnancy Outcomes After Transvaginal Radiofrequency Ablation of Leiomyomas.

To evaluate pregnancy outcomes after transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of leiomyomas. We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 226 pregnant patients after transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of leiomyomas from January 1, 2017, to February 28, 2022. Patients' mean age was 37.4 years. The preoperative median leiomyoma volume before transvaginal radiofrequency ablation was 52.4 mL, and the median volume reduction at 6 and 12 months was 49.4% and 69.8%, respectively. The median interval time from transvaginal radiofrequency ablation to pregnancy was 9.3 months (interquartile range 5.6-15.1 months). Pregnancy was spontaneous in 78 patients (34.5%) and by assisted reproductive technologies in 148 (65.5%). Miscarriage occurred in 36 patients (15.9%), premature delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation) in 4.1%, and preeclampsia in 4.3%. There was one instance of placenta accreta in a patient with a history of open myomectomy. There were no instances of uterine rupture, placental abruption, or fetal growth restriction. The cesarean delivery rate was 26.4%; the remaining patients had normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries. Patients with a volume of leiomyoma more than 58.6 mL had a longer interval time from transvaginal radiofrequency ablation to pregnancy (P<.05). An increased miscarriage rate was observed when the interval time to pregnancy was shorter than 5.7 months (P<.05). Pregnancy outcomes after transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of leiomyomas were similar to those of a general population with no instances of uterine rupture, placental abruption, or fetal growth restriction.

The Effectiveness of Adding Transvaginal Radiofrequency to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for 6 Weeks in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence. A Double-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial.

The objective was to evaluate the clinically beneficial effect of adding transvaginal monopolar non-ablative radiofrequency (RF) to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on leakage severity, quality of life and urinary incontinence-related symptoms in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A double-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted, with a 6-week intervention and a 6-month follow-up. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (PFMT plus RF; n = 18) or the control group (PFMT plus placebo; n = 20). The primary outcome was the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Secondary outcomes included the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7), self-efficacy, female sexual function, pelvic floor muscle dynamometry, 1-h pad test and number of SUI episodes per week. Inferential analyses of the data were performed using a two-factor analysis of variance. Both groups achieved a statistically significant improvement in ICIQ-SF over time. However, the differences observed in the experimental group exceeded the minimal clinically important differences by 4 points (MD = -9.4, 95% CI = -12.6 to -6.3), which was not observed in the control group (MD = -3.9, 95% CI = -6.9 to -1.0). This was maintained at the 6-month follow-up with a significant time*group interaction (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.150). There was no time*group interaction in the other variables (p > 0.05). Additionally, a significant difference in favour of the experimental group was observed in the 1-h pad test and episodes of SUI per week (p < 0.05). This study highlights the beneficial effects of adding transvaginal RF to PFMT on the severity and amount of leakage, as well as on the quality of life and urinary incontinence-related symptoms in women with moderate SUI. Future trials are needed to assess the effects of this intervention in women with severe SUI.

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

To evaluate whether transvaginal radiofrequency (RF) ablation of fibroids is a technique that can be offered to women with reproductive desires. Unicentric, prospective, observational study. University Hospital. Twenty-seven individuals who desired to become mothers after undergoing RF ablation for symptomatic fibroids. Transvaginal RF ablation for symptomatic fibroids with a maximum total volume of 145 cm3. 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. 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. 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.

Transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of a myoma in 10 key steps

To describe transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of myomas (TRAM) in 10 key steps. Video article. University hospital. A 38-year-old woman presented with menometrorrhagia and consequent chronic anemia (hemoglobin 8.5 g/dL) caused by a cervical myoma measuring 51 cm3. Initially, a cervicovaginal embolization was performed, but without any improvement in symptoms. Given the complex position of the myoma (close proximity to the uterine arteries), as well as the patient's desire for future pregnancies, a TRAM was proposed. Not applicable. Volume of myoma and menometrorrhagia 6 months after treatment. Not applicable. Transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of myomas is a quick, simple, minimally invasive, and easily reproducible technique. It could be an interesting alternative to the conventional laparoscopic and open-surgical treatments of myomas. There is a lack of high-quality data establishing TRAM safety in infertility and pregnancy. The only available radiofrequency ablation device in the United States has specific language stating that this procedure is not recommended for women considering future pregnancy.

Outcomes of transvaginal radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic leiomyomas

ObjectiveDescribe the effect of transvaginal radiofrequency ablation for leiomyoma in symptomatic patients and post procedure follow-up. Material and methodsA 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. ResultsMean 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. ConclusionRadiofrequency 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.

Minimally Invasive Management of Uterine Fibroids - Role of Transvaginal Radiofrequency Ablation

Minimally invasive approaches in management of common gynecological pathologies such as uterine fibroids are of outmost importance to offer fertility preservation and cost-effective solutions. Transvaginal radiofrequency ablation in day surgery setting offers an efficient volume reduction solution with improvement of fibroid related symptoms in patients undergoing accurate pre-operative selection.

Obstetric outcome after ultrasound guided transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of uterine myomas

Purpose: The objective is to report the obstetric outcome of 8 pregnancies with uterine fibroids who conceived after RFA. Methods: A study was conducted on 115 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids undergoing transvaginal RFA using a bipolar radiofrequency generator and an internally cooled electrode. Data on pregnancies and outcomes were collected. Results: After the procedure, eight pregnancies occurred. Fibroid volume reduction exceeded 50% in half of the patients, with an average reduction rate of 43%. Six resulted in live births, with a cesarean section rate of 2/3, one in an ectopic pregnancy, and one in a miscarriage. Pregnancy complications were limited, and all newborns showed normal development. Conclusion: Minimally invasive ultrasound-guided RFA is effective in shrinking the myomas and may not carry an obstetric risk. Although the number of reported cases is low, no obstetric complications specifically associated with transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids have been observed.

Complications of transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of fibroids: A 5-year experience

IntroductionTransvaginal radiofrequency ablation is a relatively noninvasive approach for the treatment of fibroids in patients who do not wish to undergo conventional surgery. Information on potential complications of this novel technique is very scarce. MethodsRetrospective, descriptive, epidemiological study of 115 patients who underwent transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of fibroids and for whom complications were recorded. ResultsWe performed 115 transvaginal radiofrequency ablation procedures, we recorded a total of 11 complications (9.6%; 95% CI, 3.8–14.8). Of these, 8 (7.0%) were classified as Clavien-Dindo type I, 1 (0.9%,) as type II, and 2 (1.7%) as type IIIb (severe). No other complications were recorded in a year follow-up. ConclusionTransvaginal radiofrequency ablation is a treatment option that makes it possible to treat fibroids that are difficult to manage using other techniques. Few associated complications have been described, and most of them are mild.

Non-Ablative Transvaginal Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence: Review of the Literature

Background: Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine, which can affect up to 45% of women after menopause. Radiofrequency is a non-invasive procedure that involves the application of an electromagnetic wave that through heat generation promotes neocollagenesis and neoeslatinogenesis in the vaginal epithelium. This energy-based technology has been studied as a potential alternative for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause and urinary incontinence. Objective: To review the recent literature (from 2020 to June 2022) on the use of transvaginal radiofrequency in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, by searching articles at databases of Capes, PubMed Cochrane and Scielo. Methods: The descriptor terms “Urinary Incontinence/therapy” [Majr] AND “Urinary Incontinence, Stress/therapy” [Majr] AND RADIOFREQUENCY-Search Results-PubMed, [“woman” OR “women”] AND [“urinary incontinence” OR “stress urinary incontinence”] AND Radiofrequency were used, with a filter for the period 2020 to 2022. Conclusion: The studies evaluated in this review demonstrated significant results of radiofrequency in the resolution or reduction of complaints of women with urinary incontinence, especially stress urinary incontinence, but most of these studies presented a low methodological quality. There is, therefore, a lack of studies with longer follow-ups, evaluation of cost-effectiveness, randomized clinical trials with objective outcomes and the use of validated questionnaires with international acceptance.

Efficacy, Complications, and Factors Predictive of Response to Treatment with Transvaginal Radiofrequency Ablation for Symptomatic Uterine Myomas

Transvaginal radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for myomas in women who wish to preserve their uterus. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transvaginal radiofrequency to treat myomas and to identify factors predictive of the response to treatment. Prospective case series. Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, a tertiary center in Granada, Spain. The participants were 59 patients with myomas. Transvaginal radiofrequency ablation. The variables recorded were personal (age and type of myoma), procedure dependent (pain, need for analgesia, duration of sick leave, procedure duration, and complications), clinical (total days of menstrual bleeding and days of heavy menstrual bleeding), and score on the symptom severity scale of the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life Questionnaire. Myoma volume was determined by ultrasonography. Changes in clinical variables and myoma volume were analyzed 2, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. Moreover, the influence of age, initial myoma size, type of myoma, and duration of the procedure on the outcomes of treatment were analyzed. Statistically significant improvements in symptoms were seen in all variables analyzed for bleeding at 0, 2, 6, and 12 months, and a significant improvement was seen in the symptom severity scale score 12 months after the procedure. Mean myoma volume (in milliliters) was significantly lower 2, 6, and 12 months after treatment (p <.05). At 12 months, the mean reduction in myoma volume was more than 80%. Patient age and initial myoma size were identified as factors predictive of the outcomes. Transvaginal radiofrequency ablation was an effective and safe technique for the treatment of myomas. The patient's age and initial size of the myoma influenced the outcome of treatment.

Transvaginal radiofrequency energy for the treatment of urinary stress incontinence: A comparison of monopolar and bipolar technologies in both pre‐ and post‐menopausal patients

A study to compare the effect of two different radio frequency energy models (mono polar and bipolar) for the treatment of urinary stress incontinence. Retrospective chart review, which was conducted at 2 sites, 69 patients received treatment with a bipolar radiofrequency device. Out of those 69 patients, 13 patients received bipolar in conjugation with CO2 laser treatment, while 32 patients received monopolar frequency. The study protocol normally consists of three sessions of treatment. Each session was four weeks apart with a whole 6-month duration follow-up. Results were evaluated by urogenital distress inventory (UDI)-6 questionnaire before and after treatment. The bipolar group improved UDI-6 scores across time more so than did the monopolar group with some evidence suggesting that the bipolar radiofrequency treatment was more effective compared to the monopolar radiofrequency. Three months after treatment, the bipolar group UDI-6 values were lower than those of the monopolar group. Six months after treatment, the UDI-6 scores increased in both groups, suggesting decrease efficacy with time however, the bipolar group's UDI-6 scores were consistently lower than the monopolar group's scores. This study shows benefit of both monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency device in patients with stress urinary incontinence and mixed UI, with bipolar RF more efficacious than monopolar RF. More randomized prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency ablation combined with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system for symptomatic uterine adenomyosis treatment

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of transvaginal ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for the treatment of symptomatic uterine adenomyosis. Methods Patients with symptomatic uterine adenomyosis treated with ultrasound-guided RFA in combined with an LNG-IUS from January 2013 to January 2016 and followed up for 3 years after treatment were selected. Assessment endpoints included the uterine volume reduction rate, dysmenorrheal score, symptom severity score and adverse events. Results Among the 72 patients, 64 completed the 3-year follow-up evaluations after treatment. No LNG-IUS expulsion was reported. Dysmenorrhea and symptom severity scores statistically significantly declined after the combined treatment of RFA and LNG-IUS was administered. The uterine volume significantly decreased, and the average reduction rate was 55%. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided RFA combined with an LNG-IUS might be a simple, safe and effective alternative for the treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis.

Pregnancy and symptomatic relief following ultrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency ablation in patients with adenomyosis.

To report the reproductive results and symptomatic relief of patients with adenomyosis who attempted to conceive after ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Of 182 consecutive patients with adenomyosis who had undergone RFA, only 81 patients were eligible for this study. Pregnancy outcomes, postoperative complications, preoperative and postoperative pictorial blood loss assessment chart scores, and pain scores were evaluated. Of these 81 patients, 74 were infertile and seven were single at the time of RFA. The mean age at the time of operation was 35.8 years. The mean duration from the time of RFA to conception was 18.9 months (range, 2-72 months). Fifty-nine patients tried natural conception, while 22 patients attempted conception with assisted reproductive techniques. Twenty-nine (35.8%) patients achieved 39 pregnancies. Except for the 23 patients who did not actively try to conceive and who inevitably or arbitrarily discontinued pregnancy attempts, the pregnancy success rate reached 50%. Twenty-two (84.6%) of the 29 patients delivered 24 (66.7%) live babies (nine vaginal deliveries and 15 cesarean sections). Twelve (33.3%) pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortions. No uterine ruptures occurred. Paired sample t-tests revealed that preoperative pictorial blood loss assessment chart and pain scores were significantly (P < 0.05) different from the postoperative scores at 1-, 3- and 6-months. RFA could be considered a minimally-invasive treatment option for patients with adenomyosis who desire to maintain fertility and alleviate symptoms.

Transvaginal Radiofrequency Ablation of Myomas: Technique, Outcomes, and Complications.

The aim was to study technique, complications, and outcomes of transvaginal ultrasound-guided radiofrequency myolysis (TRFAM) of uterine myomas. A prospective observational study of 205 patients with metrorrhagia secondary to type II/III submucosal or intramural cavity-distorting myomas undergoing outpatient TRFAM under sedation between September 2015 and February 2017. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, correction of metrorrhagia, patient satisfaction, mean volume of myoma, and hemoglobin level at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. The mean age of the patients was 38.7 years (range 26-49). The mean operating time was 17 minutes (range 11-44). The mean postoperative time to discharge home was 2.3 hours (range 1.6-3.2). There were 2 (1.46%) patients with type III-b complications (Clavien-Dindo classification). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) preoperative myoma volume was 122.4 [182.5] cm3. There was a significant reduction in the mean volume at 1 (85.2 [147.9] cm3; P = .001), 3 (67.3 [138.0] cm3; P = .001), 6 (59.3 [135.3] cm3; P = .001), and 12 months (49.6 [121.4] cm3; P = .001). The mean volume reduction at 12 months was 60% when compared with preoperative volume. All patients had normal menstruation at a mean follow-up of 3 months (range 1.5-6). TRFAM is an effective and safe technique in selected patients for the treatment of metrorrhagia secondary to myomas.

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids assisted by virtual needle tracking system: a preliminary study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and outcome of transvaginal ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids assisted by a real-time virtual needle tracking (VT) system.Methods: Between January 2017 and February 2018, 19 patients (age 45 ± 8 y, range 36–53 y) with 25 symptomatic uterine fibroids underwent transvaginal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) at a single center. Mean number of fibroids for patient was 1.7 (min, max: 1–3). Patients with more than one fibroid were 10 (52.6%). Uterine fibroids (mean volume: 13.6 mL; range: 5.3–41.9 mL) were treated with a dedicated internally cooled 17 G 35 cm RF needle with 1 cm or variable active tip and the moving shot technique. An electromagnetic system was used for showing a virtual needle during the procedure. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound evaluation was performed before and immediately at the end of procedure. Feasibility of the procedure, technical success rate, volume percentage reduction at 1, 3 and 6 months, clinical outcome (QOL score) and complications were analyzed.Results: Procedure was feasible in 19/19 patients (100%). Technical success was achieved in 100% of 25 treated fibroids. Mean fibroids volume decreased from 13.6 ml at baseline to 5.9 ml at 6 month (reduction rate 62.7%, range 48.5–76.9; p < .05). No major immediate or late complications occurred. Minor complications occurred in two patients. QOL score significantly improved from 68 ± 36 at baseline to 97 ± 16 at six-months follow-up (p < .05).Conclusion: Transvaginal US-guided RFA assisted by a real-time VT system is a feasible, safe and effective technique for the treatment of uterine fibroids.

Outpatient Multimodality Management of Large Submucosal Myomas Using Transvaginal Radiofrequency Myolysis

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis (RFM) with or without combined hysteroscopy for treatment of large submucosal leiomyomas with a substantial intramural portion. DesignRetrospective observational study (Canadian Task Force classification III). SettingHospital outpatient department. PatientsTwenty-four patients with large submucosal leiomyomas with a substantial intramural portion. InterventionsTransvaginal RFM with or without combined hysteroscopy. Measurements and Main ResultsTwenty-four patients with large submucosal leiomyomas with a substantial intramural portion were enrolled to undergo stepwise RFM. Additional hysteroscopic myomectomy was performed in 6 patients at 3 to 6 months after RFM. Myoma volumes were measured via 3-dimensional ultrasonography before RFM and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Symptom severity was assessed using the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire and the Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire. The total volume reduction rate 24 months postoperatively was 84.2%. Symptom severity and health-related quality of life scores demonstrated substantial improvements at 12 months after RFM. ConclusionsRFM with or without hysteroscopy is an effective treatment for large myomas with deep intramural positioning, and it seems safe for use in all patients with submucosal myoma-related symptoms.

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis for symptomatic uterine myomas

ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis for symptomatic uterine myomas. Study designForty-six premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine myomas received ultrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis as an outpatient procedure. Outcomes were assessed by measuring myoma volume at baseline and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up; and by calculating the myoma volume reduction rate. Clinical improvement was assessed by calculating the menorrhagia score, the symptom severity score and the health-related quality-of-life score (Uterine Fibroids Symptom and Health-related Quality-of-life Questionnaire) before and after myolysis. ResultsThe mean age of patients was 40.8 [standard deviation (SD) 6.5] years. The mean diameter of the dominant myoma at baseline was 4.8 (SD 1.1) cm and the mean volume of the dominant myoma at baseline was 67.4 (SD 51.1)cm3. The size of the myoma decreased gradually and an overall volume reduction rate of 83.0% was achieved at 12-month follow-up. The mean symptom severity score decreased and mean health-related quality-of-life score increased; the Uterine Fibroids Symptom and Health-related Quality-of-life Questionnaire showed a significant clinical improvement after myolysis compared with baseline (p<0.001). The menorrhagia score decreased significantly from baseline (p<0.05), showing an improvement in menorrhagia at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. No major complications were observed or reported. The re-operation rate was 8.7%. Fifteen and eighteen months after myolysis, two patients delivered infants with no complications during or after delivery. ConclusionUltrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis may be a safe, effective and minimally invasive outpatient procedure for the treatment of symptomatic uterine myomas.

Pregnancy after transcervical radiofrequency ablation guided by intrauterine sonography: case report

Uterine fibroids are a prevalent disorder; with the exception of myomectomy, there are no treatments that are generally accepted as compatible with future fertility and fecundity. Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment modality for uterine fibroids that results in coagulative necrosis and fibroid volume reduction. There have been few reports of pregnancy after laparoscopic and transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of fibroids and no previous reports after a transcervical approach. We report the outcome of the first viable pregnancy after intrauterine sonography-guided radiofrequency ablation of a uterine fibroid.

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided radiofrequency myolysis for uterine myomas

Myolysis is one of the procedures that is claimed to provide significant improvement in myoma status without hysterectomy. Myolysis procedures have been generally performed via laparoscopy, and there are limited data on transvaginal radiofrequency (RF) myolysis. This study investigated the feasibility, efficacy and safety of transvaginal ultrasound-guided RF myolysis. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided RF myolysis was performed on 69 premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine myomas as an outpatient procedure. Outcomes were assessed 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after RF myolysis. Myoma volumes were measured by ulrasonography. Menorrhagia was evaluated by the number of soaked normal-sized sanitary products used per menstrual period and overall symptoms were evaluated using the symptom severity subscale of the uterine fibroids symptom questionnaire. Mean (± SD) age of patients was 39.8 ± 6.5 years. Mean baseline volume of the dominant myomas was 304.6 ± 229.1 cm(3) and its volume at 3 months following RF myolysis decreased compared with the previous examination (P = 0.002). An improvement of menorrhagia occurred 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation (all P < 0.001 versus baseline). Overall symptoms at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after RF myolysis also improved (all P < 0.001 versus baseline). No major complications were observed or reported. After 12 months, three patients had successfully conceived and delivered and there were no complications during labor or delivery. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided RF myolysis might be a safe, effective and minimally invasive outpatient procedure for uterine myoma in terms of size reduction, symptom improvement and safety.

A case of pregnancy and childbirth after transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis in infertile women

Transvaginal radiofrequncy myolysis is minimally invasive treatment by creating thermal energy in myoma and causing the necrosis of uterine fi broid cells. Unlike myomectomy which is considered to be the most common treatment of uterine myoma in infertile women, transvaginal radiofrequncy myolysis can be performed as outpatient procedure using only sedation for pain relief without additional need for medication. Due to its less invasive approach, the hospitalization is not required. There are many published studies reporting the pregnancy complications and outcomes after myomectomy, but there are very limited data on pregnancy after myolysis. Therefore, we present a case of successful pregnancy and childbirth after transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis of uterine myoma in an infertile women with a brief review of the literature.