Our Summary

This study looked at how effective a treatment called laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation is for a condition called uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause symptoms like heavy periods and pelvic pain. The treatment uses a small instrument to send radio waves into the fibroid, which heats it up and destroys it.

The researchers looked at how well the treatment worked in the short term (3 and 6 months) and long term (1, 2, and 3 years), how much it improved patients’ quality of life, how many complications there were, how many people needed more treatment, and how much work people missed. They did this by looking at eight previous studies that included a total of 581 patients.

They found that the treatment significantly improved patients’ quality of life up to three years after the treatment. The biggest improvement was seen one year after treatment. Almost all aspects of quality of life improved, and these improvements stayed stable in the long term.

The rate of complications from the treatment was low, at 1.78%. The rate of people needing more treatment was also low, at 4.39%. On average, patients missed about 4.35 days of work.

The researchers concluded that this treatment is an effective way to treat small, non-pedunculated (not on a stalk) uterine fibroids. It provides long-term relief from symptoms, improves quality of life, has a low risk of complications and needing more treatment, and only requires a few days off work.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation and how does it treat uterine fibroids?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the effectiveness of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation in treating uterine fibroids?
  3. What is the rate of complications and need for additional treatment after undergoing laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation for uterine fibroids?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about uterine ablation is to discuss any concerns or questions they may have with their healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure. It is important to understand the potential benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of the treatment in order to make an informed decision. Additionally, patients should follow post-procedure instructions provided by their healthcare provider to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended uterine ablation are those who have symptomatic uterine fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure symptoms. These patients may have tried other treatments that have not been successful in managing their symptoms. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if uterine ablation is a suitable option for them.

Timeline

Before uterine ablation:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of uterine fibroids such as heavy periods and pelvic pain.
  2. Patient undergoes consultation with a healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.
  3. Decision is made to undergo laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation for uterine fibroids.

After uterine ablation:

  1. Patient undergoes laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation treatment.
  2. Short-term follow-up at 3 and 6 months to assess effectiveness of treatment.
  3. Long-term follow-up at 1, 2, and 3 years to assess quality of life improvements.
  4. Significant improvement in quality of life seen up to three years after treatment.
  5. Low rate of complications and need for additional treatment.
  6. Average of 4.35 days of work missed post-treatment.
  7. Conclusion that laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation is an effective and low-risk treatment for small, non-pedunculated uterine fibroids.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about uterine ablation include:

  1. What is laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation and how does it work?
  2. Am I a suitable candidate for this treatment?
  3. What are the potential benefits of undergoing this procedure?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this treatment?
  5. How long will the effects of the treatment last?
  6. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up appointments after undergoing uterine ablation?
  7. How much time will I need to take off work or my regular activities after the procedure?
  8. How soon can I expect to see improvements in my symptoms after the treatment?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I need to follow before or after the procedure?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments available for my condition that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Lin L, Ma H, Wang J, Guan H, Yang M, Tong X, Zou Y. Journal: J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2019 Mar-Apr;26(3):409-416. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.09.772. Epub 2018 Sep 22. PMID: 30253997