Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures IRCP: A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation
Published on: January 17, 2019
Non-extirpative Treatments for Uterine Myomas: Measuring Success
Adela G Cope1, Riley J Young1, Elizabeth A Stewart1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (all authors).
Objective:
To analyze outcomes of nonextirpative treatments for uterine myomas compared with myomectomy.
Data Sources:
A systematic search of the following databases from inception to January 2020 was performed: Ovid Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials.
Methods Of Study Selection:
Two authors reviewed titles and abstracts for relevance, and full articles were obtained and evaluated for inclusion. Studies were included if they compared nonextirpative interventions for uterine myomas to myomectomy and reported at least one outcome of interest.
Tabulation, Integration, And Results:
Of the 2010 articles identified and reviewed, 125 full text articles were reviewed, and 22 were ultimately included in the analysis. Nonextirpative treatments reviewed included uterine artery embolization (UAE; 16 studies, n = 9555 subjects), focused ultrasound (FUS; 4 studies, n = 1516), laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA; 3 studies, n = 49). UAE, FUS, and laparoscopic RFA groups were compared with patients undergoing myomectomy (n = 34 872, n = 20 677, n = 47 respectively). In comparison with myomectomy, UAE had similar quality of life scores, symptom severity scores, sexual function scores, ovarian function, and miscarriage rates following intervention. There was lower likelihood of conceiving after UAE and a higher rate of reintervention after UAE compared with myomectomy. FUS had similar postprocedure sexual function scores and reintervention rates compared with myomectomy. Laparoscopic RFA had similar quality of life scores, symptom severity scores, sexual function scores, reintervention rates, and pregnancy rates after the procedure compared with myomectomy.
Conclusion:
Nonextirpative treatments for uterine myomas have similar outcomes to myomectomy in multiple domains, with most available evidence comparing UAE with myomectomy.
