Our Summary

The Sonata System is a new, minimally invasive treatment for fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. This system uses ultrasound and radiofrequency to shrink the fibroids. This study aimed to assess the long-term effectiveness of the Sonata System and understand what factors could predict the need for further surgery.

In this study, 53 women who had undergone treatment with the Sonata System between December 2011 and April 2019 were observed. The researchers looked at their medical records to see if further surgery was needed, the size of the fibroids before and after treatment, and any complications. The women also answered questions about their satisfaction with the treatment.

The average follow-up period was 36 months. Almost half of the women (45.3%) needed further surgery, mostly to remove fibroids. After a year, 24.5% needed further surgery, and after two years, it increased to 39.8%. Seven women (13.2%) eventually needed to have their uterus removed. The size of the fibroids before treatment had no significant effect on whether further surgery was needed.

Before treatment, the average size of the fibroids was 41 mm, and after treatment, it was 29 mm. Most of the women (69.4%) were satisfied with the treatment, and 85.7% would recommend the Sonata System to other women. There were no complications related to the device.

In conclusion, the Sonata System is a safe and minimally invasive option for treating fibroids. More research is needed to determine which types and sizes of fibroids the Sonata System is most effective for.

FAQs

  1. What is the Sonata System and how does it treat fibroids?
  2. What percentage of women needed further surgery after treatment with the Sonata System?
  3. Were there any complications reported related to the Sonata System?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about uterine ablation with the Sonata System is to discuss with their healthcare provider about the possibility of needing further surgery in the future. It is important for patients to be aware of the potential need for additional procedures to manage fibroids effectively. Additionally, patients should continue to follow up with their healthcare provider regularly to monitor the size of the fibroids and their overall health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended uterine ablation are those who have symptomatic fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on the bladder or bowel. Uterine ablation is often recommended for women who have completed childbearing and do not want a hysterectomy. It is also a good option for women who are not candidates for surgery or prefer a less invasive treatment.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after uterine ablation with the Sonata System would typically include the following:

Before treatment:

  • Patient consults with a healthcare provider and is diagnosed with fibroids.
  • Patient and healthcare provider discuss treatment options, including the Sonata System.
  • Patient undergoes pre-treatment evaluations and tests to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the Sonata System.

During treatment:

  • Patient undergoes the minimally invasive procedure using ultrasound and radiofrequency to shrink the fibroids.
  • Procedure typically takes less than an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis.
  • Patient may experience mild discomfort or cramping during and after the procedure.

After treatment:

  • Patient may experience some spotting or discharge for a few days after the procedure.
  • Patient is advised to follow up with their healthcare provider for post-procedure evaluations and monitoring.
  • Patient’s fibroids are monitored for size reduction and any signs of recurrence.
  • Patient may need further surgery if fibroids do not shrink adequately or if new fibroids develop.

Long-term follow-up:

  • Patient is monitored for any complications or adverse effects related to the treatment.
  • Patient’s satisfaction with the treatment is assessed through follow-up appointments and surveys.
  • Patient may need additional treatment or interventions depending on the effectiveness of the Sonata System in reducing fibroids and relieving symptoms.

Overall, the Sonata System offers a minimally invasive and effective treatment option for women with fibroids, but further research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness and predictability of outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about uterine ablation using the Sonata System include:

  1. What is the success rate of the Sonata System in treating fibroids?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure?
  3. How long does the procedure take, and what is the recovery time?
  4. Will I need further surgeries or treatments after undergoing uterine ablation with the Sonata System?
  5. Are there any restrictions or limitations I need to follow after the procedure?
  6. How long do the effects of the treatment typically last?
  7. Are there any factors that may affect the effectiveness of the Sonata System in my case?
  8. What are the alternatives to the Sonata System for treating fibroids?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the procedure?
  10. Can you provide me with more information about the specific experience and expertise of the healthcare provider who will be performing the procedure?

Reference

Authors: van der Meulen JF, Cooijmans TH, van Zutven VJ, Leemans JC, Verhoeven CJ, Bongers MY. Journal: AJOG Glob Rep. 2022 Aug 24;2(4):100087. doi: 10.1016/j.xagr.2022.100087. eCollection 2022 Nov. PMID: 36536842