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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
Laparoscopic radiofrequency thermal ablation: a new approach to symptomatic uterine myomas
Valentino Bergamini1, Fabio Ghezzi, Antonella Cromi
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids.
Study Design:
Eighteen women with symptomatic intramural uterine myomas underwent radiofrequency ablation under laparoscopic guidance. Postoperative sonographic evaluations of the fibroids size were scheduled at 1, 3, 6 ,9, and 12 months. The impact of myoma-related symptoms on quality of life (QOL) was assessed using a validated questionnaire.
Results:
The median number of myomas treated per patient was 1 (1-3). The median baseline volume of the dominant myoma was 67.2 cm 3 (14.8-332.8). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The median reductions in myomas volume were 41.5%, 59%, and 77% at 1, 3, and 6-months, follow-up evaluation, respectively. No further change in fibroid size was observed at 9 months and 1 year. A significant improvement in the symptoms score and QOL score was observed at 3 and 6 months, follow-up.
Conclusion:
In this pilot study, laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation successfully reduced fibroid symptoms and fibroid volume in short-term follow-up. Additional studies are needed before its efficacy and safety can be confirmed.
