"Combined use of Radiofrequency ablation and hysteroscopy in the treatment of uterine Myomas: An innovative approach".

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate transvaginal radiofrequency ablation (TRFA) as a preoperative strategy to facilitate hysteroscopic resection in patients with complex submucosal fibroids desiring uterine preservation.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

SETTING

Single tertiary hospital (Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain), January 2021-June 2023.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirteen women with a single symptomatic fibroid containing a submucosal component, Lasmar-STEPW score ≥ 5, and no pregnancy desire for at least one year.

INTERVENTIONS: TRFA was performed under general anaesthesia in an outpatient setting. Hysteroscopic myomectomy was scheduled from the sixth month onward. Outcomes included fibroid volume reduction, symptom improvement (Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire [UFS-QoL]), and hysteroscopic resection feasibility.

RESULTS

Median age was 43 years. All TRFA procedures were completed successfully. At 6 months, median fibroid volume reduction was 76.8 %. UFS-QoL significantly improved (median from 32 to 14; p = 0.004). Complete hysteroscopic resection was achieved in 12 of 13 patients (92.3 %). One patient without fibroid regression required laparotomic myomectomy, with final diagnosis of adenomyoma. No serious complications or symptom recurrence were observed at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

TRFA is a safe, effective outpatient technique that significantly reduces fibroid volume and facilitates complete hysteroscopic resection in women with complex submucosal fibroids. This combined approach may expand the role of conservative vaginal surgery in selected patients.