Focused U/S surgery is safe, effective for fibroids

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is a safe, effective way to significantly reduce symptoms in premenopausal women with uterine leiomyomas, according to the results of a multicenter clinical trial.

Researchers found that of 109 women undergoing MRgFUS, 71% experienced at least a 10-point reduction in symptom severity score on the Uterine Fibroid Quality-of-Life Instrument at 6 months after the procedure and 51% of 82 women did so at 12 months. Symptoms were reduced on average 39% and 36% at 6 and 12 months, respectively.

No deaths, life-threatening events, or thromboembolic events occurred during the 6 months postsurgery. There were no unintended second procedures or separate interventional treatments provided. And no patients were discharged with a urinary catheter. Six percent of patients developed fever, and 5% had skin burns where hair removal was incomplete. Mean time to return to work after the procedure was 1 day.