Percutaneous cryoablation of symptomatic uterine adenomyomas: Initial experience

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous image-guided cryoablation of adenomyomas MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five symptomatic women who wanted to preserve their uterus and fertility underwent a single session of percutaneous image-guided cryoablation of adenomyoma. Three to six 17-gauge cryoprobes were introduced percutaneously into the adenomyoma under ultrasound and laparoscopy guidance. Clinical efficacy was defined as the diminution of the Visual Analogue Scale of pain (VAS), the decrease in uterine bleeding and the improvement of quality of life assessed by the endometriosis health profile 5 (EHP-5) 12 months after treatment. Technical efficacy was defined by the reduction in volume of each treated adenomyoma on MRI. Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Hysterosonography was performed at least 3 months after the procedure.

Results: Compared to the baseline, all symptom scores had decreased after 12 months: median VAS 8/10 (range, 5-10) to 4/10 (range, 0-7); median dyspareunia score 7/10 (range, 0-10) to 2/10 (range, 0-8); median bleeding score 335 (range, 102-920) to 76 (range, 0-88); median EHP-5 score 60/100 (range, 50-75) to 50/100 (range, 32-55). The median volume of adenomyosis decreased from 57 cm³ (range, 8-87) to 9 cm³ (range, 2-45) at 12 months. No postoperative complications occurred. Two patients had incomplete intrauterine adhesions that were easily removed hysteroscopically.

Conclusion: Cryoablation may be a promising alternative treatment for symptomatic adenomyoma in women who want to preserve their uterus.

Keywords: Cryoablation; Interventional radiology; Outcome; Safety; Uterine adenomyoma.