Minimally invasive non-surgical procedures in treatment of uterine fibroids

Abstract

Leiomyomas, also known as fibroids or myomas, are the most common gynecologic neoplasm, occurring in 20%–30% of women of reproduc¬tive age. Symptoms attributable to leiomyomas can generally be classified into three distinct catego¬ries: abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure and pain, and reproductive dysfunction. Leiomyomas are one of the most common indications for women to have surgical intervention such as myomectomy or even hysterectomy. Minimally invasive techniques for fibroid tumors are effective treatment for wide spectrum of leiomyomas and they can allow women to avoid hysterectomy in 80% of cases. These procedure have been rapidly accepted by the public and has gained acceptance even among gynecologists around the world. Through the diligent efforts of researchers across the world, it has gained level 1 evidence from randomized trials that demonstrate the efficacy and safety of these procedure. The choice of most appropriate modality is crucial in order to maintain the clinical success of the procedure and preserve the public and the gyneacologists trust in interventional radiology. Uterine fibroid embolization have demonstrated greater percentage of multiple fibroid devascularisation compared with RFA and HIFU. There is otherwise no clear superiority of one technique over the other that implies choosing best modality for each single case is crucial. Further res