Our Summary

This study discusses a treatment for uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterus) involving ultrasound-guided microwave ablation, which is a process that uses heat to destroy the fibroids. A 31-year-old woman underwent this treatment and saw a significant decrease in her fibroid size. Six months later, she was able to conceive naturally and her pregnancy progressed normally. Even though she wanted a vaginal delivery, she had a uterine rupture during labor - a rare but serious complication where the uterus tears. Luckily, both the mother and baby were okay after emergency surgery. This case shows that while this treatment for uterine fibroids can be effective, it’s important for doctors to keep a close eye on patients during the later stages of pregnancy in case complications like this occur.

FAQs

  1. What is ultrasound-guided microwave ablation treatment for uterine fibroids?
  2. What complications can occur during pregnancy after undergoing this treatment for uterine fibroids?
  3. Can a woman conceive naturally after undergoing ultrasound-guided microwave ablation treatment for uterine fibroids?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about uterine ablation is to discuss the potential risks and complications, such as the risk of uterine rupture during pregnancy and labor. It’s important for patients to be aware of these risks and to closely follow up with their healthcare provider throughout pregnancy if they have undergone uterine ablation. If any concerning symptoms arise, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and baby.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended uterine ablation are those who suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, abnormal uterine bleeding, or uterine fibroids that are causing symptoms such as pain, pressure, or frequent urination. Uterine ablation is often considered for women who have completed their childbearing or do not wish to have children in the future. It is important for patients to discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine if uterine ablation is the right treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before uterine ablation:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of uterine fibroids such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or MRI to confirm the presence of fibroids.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider, including uterine ablation as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-procedure evaluations and counseling to ensure they are a suitable candidate for uterine ablation.

After uterine ablation:

  1. Patient undergoes the uterine ablation procedure, which typically takes less than an hour and can be done on an outpatient basis.
  2. Patient may experience some cramping, spotting, or discharge in the days following the procedure.
  3. Over the next few weeks, the patient’s fibroids begin to shrink and symptoms improve.
  4. Patient continues to follow up with their healthcare provider for monitoring and to ensure the success of the procedure.
  5. In some cases, like the one mentioned above, patients may face unexpected complications later on, such as uterine rupture during childbirth, which requires emergency intervention to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is uterine ablation and how does it work?
  2. What are the potential risks and side effects of uterine ablation?
  3. How likely is it for a uterine rupture to occur after undergoing uterine ablation?
  4. How will my fertility be affected by uterine ablation?
  5. What are the chances of successful pregnancy and delivery after undergoing uterine ablation?
  6. What steps can be taken to monitor for potential complications during pregnancy after uterine ablation?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments for uterine fibroids that may be safer for future pregnancies?
  8. How soon after uterine ablation can I safely try to conceive?
  9. Will I need any additional monitoring or precautions during pregnancy after uterine ablation?
  10. What should I do if I experience any concerning symptoms during pregnancy after uterine ablation?

Reference

Authors: Zeng Y, Wang Y, Guang X. Journal: Case Rep Womens Health. 2025 Mar 14;46:e00702. doi: 10.1016/j.crwh.2025.e00702. eCollection 2025 Jun. PMID: 40212435