Our Summary

This research paper looks at the safety and effectiveness of a treatment called transcervical ablation for uterine leiomyomas (a type of non-cancerous tumor in the uterus, also known as fibroids) over a 12-month period. The researchers treated between 1-10 fibroids per patient, with the fibroids being between 1 to 5 cm in diameter. They were specifically looking at whether the treatment reduced menstrual blood loss and if it stopped the need for further surgery.

The study included 147 patients from the United States and Mexico. After 12 months, they found that the treatment was successful for about 65% of the patients, who experienced a 50% or greater reduction in menstrual bleeding. Additionally, almost all patients (99.3%) did not need further surgery.

The patients also reported improvements in symptom severity and quality of life, and their fibroids shrank by an average of 62.4%. More than half of the patients were able to return to normal activities within a day of the treatment, and almost all reported an improvement in their symptoms and were satisfied with the treatment after 12 months. No adverse events related to the device used in the treatment were reported.

The researchers concluded that this treatment is a safe and effective way to treat fibroids, without the need for surgical incisions or removing the uterus. The study was supported by Gynesonics, Inc.

FAQs

  1. What is the success rate of transcervical ablation for treating uterine fibroids?
  2. What percentage of patients needed further surgery after the transcervical ablation treatment for uterine fibroids?
  3. What were the reported side effects or adverse events related to the device used in the transcervical ablation treatment?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient considering uterine ablation that it can be a safe and effective treatment for reducing heavy menstrual bleeding and improving quality of life. It may also help avoid the need for further surgery. It is important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with their doctor before making a decision.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended uterine ablation are those who have heavy menstrual bleeding, have not responded well to other treatments such as medication, and are not interested in or cannot have surgery to remove the fibroids. The study mentioned above specifically looked at patients with uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) between 1-5 cm in diameter, but uterine ablation can also be recommended for patients with other types of benign uterine conditions that cause heavy menstrual bleeding, such as adenomyosis or endometrial hyperplasia.

Overall, patients who are looking for a minimally invasive treatment option for heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids or other benign uterine conditions may be recommended uterine ablation. It is important for patients to discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine if uterine ablation is a suitable treatment option for them.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after uterine ablation would typically involve the following steps:

Before Uterine Ablation:

  1. Patient consults with their healthcare provider about symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and other issues related to fibroids.
  2. Healthcare provider recommends uterine ablation as a potential treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-treatment evaluations and tests to determine the size and location of the fibroids.
  4. Patient discusses the procedure, risks, and benefits with their healthcare provider and prepares for the treatment.

During Uterine Ablation:

  1. Patient undergoes the transcervical ablation procedure, which typically takes less than an hour and is performed as an outpatient procedure.
  2. The treatment involves inserting a device through the cervix to deliver radiofrequency energy to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and reduce menstrual bleeding.

After Uterine Ablation:

  1. Patient may experience mild cramping, spotting, or discharge for a few days after the procedure.
  2. Patient follows post-procedure instructions provided by their healthcare provider, including rest, pain management, and avoiding strenuous activities.
  3. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
  4. Over the following months, patient experiences a reduction in menstrual bleeding, improvement in symptoms, and potentially a decrease in the size of the fibroids.
  5. After 12 months, patient may undergo additional evaluations to assess the long-term success of the treatment, including a reduction in the need for further surgery.

In conclusion, uterine ablation can be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with fibroids, offering significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life without the need for invasive surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is uterine ablation and how does it work?
  2. Am I a candidate for uterine ablation, and if not, what other treatment options are available for me?
  3. What are the potential risks and side effects of uterine ablation?
  4. How successful is uterine ablation in reducing menstrual bleeding and improving symptoms related to fibroids?
  5. Will I still be able to have children after undergoing uterine ablation?
  6. How long is the recovery period after uterine ablation, and when can I resume normal activities?
  7. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after undergoing uterine ablation?
  8. Are there any restrictions or precautions I need to take after the procedure?
  9. How long do the effects of uterine ablation typically last?
  10. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow before and after the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome?

Reference

Authors: Chudnoff S, Guido R, Roy K, Levine D, Mihalov L, Garza-Leal JG. Journal: Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Jan;133(1):13-22. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003032. PMID: 30531573