Our Summary

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the female pelvis that are very common, especially among African American women. About half of women with fibroids experience symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, bladder and bowel issues, fertility problems, and pain. The way these fibroids are treated depends on the symptoms the patient is experiencing and whether they want to maintain their fertility.

The most common treatment is hysterectomy, which is removing the uterus. While this procedure completely eliminates fibroid symptoms, it is an invasive surgery with a long recovery period. A newer and less invasive treatment is radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which uses heat to destroy the fibroids while preserving the uterus.

Since its introduction, RFA has shown to be safe and effective with low complication rates. This research paper reviews RFA as a treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids, discussing the technique, short- and long-term results, including its impact on fertility.

FAQs

  1. What are uterine fibroids and who are most at risk of developing them?
  2. What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and how is it used in treating uterine fibroids?
  3. Does the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment for uterine fibroids affect fertility?

Doctor’s Tip

One important tip that a doctor might give a patient considering uterine ablation is to discuss all of their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their specific situation. It is important to weigh the benefits and risks of each treatment option and consider factors such as desired fertility, recovery time, and potential side effects.

Additionally, it is important for patients to follow their doctor’s post-procedure instructions closely to ensure a successful recovery. This may include taking prescribed medications, resting, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments as recommended.

Lastly, it is important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly. Monitoring for any signs of complications or recurrence of symptoms is important for ensuring the best possible outcome after uterine ablation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for uterine ablation are those who have symptomatic uterine fibroids and want to preserve their fertility. This includes women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, bladder and bowel issues, and pain due to fibroids. These symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and daily activities, and uterine ablation can provide relief from these symptoms without the need for a hysterectomy.

Women who are not interested in or not candidates for surgery may also be recommended for uterine ablation. This minimally invasive procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, with a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery. It is a good option for women who want to avoid the risks and long-term implications of hysterectomy.

Overall, uterine ablation is a safe and effective option for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who want to preserve their fertility and avoid a more invasive surgical procedure. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms, treatment goals, and fertility concerns with their healthcare provider to determine if uterine ablation is the right option for them.

Timeline

Before uterine ablation:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of uterine fibroids such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, bladder and bowel issues, fertility problems, and pain.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.
  3. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or MRI to confirm the presence of fibroids.
  4. Patient decides to undergo uterine ablation as a treatment option.

After uterine ablation:

  1. Patient undergoes the RFA procedure, where heat is used to destroy the fibroids while preserving the uterus.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort and cramping immediately after the procedure.
  3. Patient is typically able to resume normal activities within a few days.
  4. Over the following weeks and months, patient experiences a reduction in symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure.
  5. Patient may have follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the procedure.
  6. Long-term results show that RFA is effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with uterine fibroids.
  7. Patient may also have discussions with their healthcare provider about fertility options after the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with uterine ablation?
  2. How long is the recovery period after uterine ablation?
  3. Will uterine ablation affect my fertility or ability to have children in the future?
  4. How effective is uterine ablation in treating symptoms of fibroids?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or follow-up care I should be aware of after undergoing uterine ablation?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments to consider for my fibroid symptoms?
  7. How many procedures may be needed to fully treat my fibroids with uterine ablation?
  8. What is the success rate of uterine ablation in preventing fibroid recurrence?
  9. How soon can I expect to see improvements in my symptoms after undergoing uterine ablation?
  10. Can you explain the procedure of uterine ablation in detail and what to expect during the process?

Reference

Authors: Kwon CS, Abu-Alnadi ND. Journal: Semin Intervent Radiol. 2023 Aug 10;40(4):335-341. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1770734. eCollection 2023 Aug. PMID: 37575346