Cryomyolysis in the management of uterine fibroids: technique and complications.

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors of the uterus and a major public health problem. Between 20 and 25% of women over 35 years of age are estimated to have fibroids. Three subtypes of fibroids are recognized depending on their relationship to the myometrium, namely, submucosal, subserosal and intramural. Fibroids are frequently asymptomatic, but may be associated with menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, pregnancy loss or infertility. They are composed predominantly of smooth muscle, with a variable amount of connective tissue, and they have a characteristic smooth white whorled appearance on cross sectional examination.