TITLE:
Transcervical Interstitial Microwave Ablation Therapy for the Treatment of Adenomyosis: A Novel Alternative to Hysterectomy
AUTHORS:
Yasushi Kanaoka, Hirosumi Imoto
KEYWORDS:
Microwave Ablation, Adenomyosis, Transcervical, Menorrhagia, Dysmenorrhea
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.4 No.14,
September
29,
2014
ABSTRACT: Objectives: To investigate
the clinical effects of transcervical interstitial microwave irradiation of adenomyotic
tissues as an alternative to hysterectomy. Methods: Thirty-three patients who
were candidates for hysterectomy for the treatment of adenomyosis associated
with menorrhagia were treated by interstitial microwave irradiation using a
specifically developed transabdominal ultrasound probe attachment for
transcervical puncture along with microwave endometrial ablation, as an
alternative to hysterectomy. Primary outcomes were changes in the venous
hemoglobin level and the volume of the uterine body before and after treatment.
Secondary outcomes were the visual-analogue scale (VAS) score for menorrhagia
and dysmenorrhea after treatment. Results: At 3 months after surgery, the
average hemoglobin level significantly increased by 4.6 g/dL. The volume of the
uterine body significantly decreased to 53% and 52% of the volume before
treatment at 3 and 12 months, respectively. VAS scores indicated an improvement
in menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea. Conclusions: Transcervical interstitial
microwave ablation therapy combined with microwave endometrial ablation reduced
the uterine body volume and relieved menorrhagia and dysmenorrheal caused by
adenomyosis. This strategy is a promising alternative to hysterectomy for the
treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis.