Uterine fibroids and radiofrequency
Written by:Uterine neoplasia is one of the most common cancers among women: one third of women after age 35 are positive for this cancer. Dr.. Rodolfo Sirito, expert in Gynecology in Genoa
What and what are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
The fibroids or uterine myomas are benign formations that are generated by the myometrium, the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. They are the most common form of benign neoplasia in women: it is estimated that 1 in 3 women, over 35 years of age, is affected by at least one myoma. The most common symptoms are:
- Genital bleeding with sometimes severe anemization
- Pain and sense of pelvic heaviness
- Urinary compressive symptoms (frequent urination or difficulty in emptying the bladder completely) and intestinal symptoms with constipation.
The social impact of this uterine pathology is relevant in terms of absenteeism, loss of productivity and economic loss and for this reason it is the first cause of gynecological surgery.
What is the new gynecological treatment?
In order to reduce the invasiveness of the treatment, after years of experience of minimally invasive approach ( laparoscopic and hysteroscopic ), the technique of radiofrequency myolysis has been adopted. Thanks to a fruitful collaboration between gynecologists and radiologists, the International Evangelical Hospital of Genoa can boast of being the first center in Liguria and among the few in Europe to use this innovative approach for the treatment of fibroids of the uterus.
What is radiofrequency myolysis?
A needle, inserted inside the fibroma under ultrasound or visual guidance, depending on whether the approach is transvaginal, hysteroscopic or laparoscopic, is connected to a current generator that diffuses waves at a frequency of variable intensity, which lead inside of the fibroma a temperature between 40 and 99 degrees, thus causing its necrosis. The coagulation of the fibroma determines a significant reduction and disappearance of the symptoms reducing the volume of the lesion either directly or through the closure of the blood vessels that nourish it.. The myoma is destroyed up to 90%, limiting the temperature and the damage to the tissues that surround it.
What are the benefits of radiofrequency myolysis?
Our studies and our experience show that radiofrequency myolysis is a therapeutic option in symptomatic uterine fibroids, representing a valid alternative to surgery with saving healthy tissue, shorter hospitalization and waiting times in patients who are looking for a pregnancy. The non-necessity of hospitalization, the almost constant absence of surgical wounds, the reduced complications of the method, therefore translates into a very rapid return to everyday life with minimum time for convalescence and a prompt recovery of normal occupations. The International Evangelical Hospital of Genoa offers a second-level clinic to choose in a personalized way the best treatment to solve the case of uterine fibromatosis and, in patients with indication of the use of radiofrequency, the technique is performed with multidisciplinary approach by a dedicated team. To date, dozens of patients have already been successfully treated and, from an analysis of clinical response data, we are already beginning to consider the possibility of transferring part of these procedures into a hospital regime that does not necessarily require overnight accommodation.