A new method for the treatment of fibromas: interstitial laser hyperthermia using the Nd:YAG laser. Preliminary study.

Operative laparoscopy can replace hysterectomy in the treatment of submucous and subserosal uterine fibromyomas. Interstitial myomas are still treated using traditional methods. Using an Nd:YAG laser with a quartz fibre which diffuses the ray, we induced delayed necrosis of myoma secondary to the hyperthermia produced by this method-interstitial laser hyperthermia. We present an experimental study of fibromas from excised tissue. Optimal efficiency is achieved with continuous delivery at 5 W of power for 10 min. The temperature reaches 50 degrees C within a radius of 20 mm around the fibre. A clinical study was undertaken with the approval of the Ethics Committee. Seven patients suffering from symptomatic fibromas were treated by laparoscopy. Preliminary results at 12 months show that their symptoms have disappeared and the size of the fibromas has been reduced. A larger study is in progress.