High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation of Uterine Fibroids: A Review

Cureus. 2023 Sep 4;15(9):e44680. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44680. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Leiomyomas, or uterine fibroids, are growths consisting of muscle and tissue that develop in or on the uterine wall. The most frequent benign uterine tumours in women of reproductive age are thought to be fibroids. Dysmenorrhea, spotting, hypermenorrhoea, abdominal pain, pressure on surrounding organs, and issues with micturition and defecation are among the symptoms that are often present. Fibroids can form as a single nodule or as a cluster. Uterine fibroids, especially large submucosal and intramural uterine fibroids, can cause obstacles to implantation and lead to pregnancy loss. Uterine fibroids can be treated without surgery and with little downtime using focused ultrasound. There is published research showing that women can conceive and have healthy children after therapy, thus protecting fertility. The ablation of uterine fibroids by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is successful since the volume of the fibroids is significantly reduced.

Keywords: fertility sparing treatment; fibroid; premenopausal age; thermal ablation; ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review