Radiofrequency Ablation of Uterine Myomas and Pregnancy Outcomes: An Updated Review of the Literature

• Published in: Journal of minimally invasive gynecology Vol. 29; no. 6; p. 709
• Main Authors: Polin, Melanie, Hur, Hye-Chun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.2022
• Subjects: Laparoscopic ablation; Myoma; Myoma ablation; Transcervical ablation; Fertility
• ISSN: 1553-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2022.01.015

To provide a systematic review of pregnancy outcomes after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of uterine myomas. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, from database inception to October 2021. Two reviewers conducted independent literature searches. Studies that met the criteria based on title and abstract underwent full-text review. Publications were included if they reported pregnancies and obstetric outcomes after laparoscopic or transcervical RFA of myomas. A total of 405 publications were initially identified and screened, 39 underwent full-text review, and 10 publications were ultimately included. There were 50 pregnancies reported among 923 RFA patients: 40 pregnancies after 559 laparoscopic RFAs and 10 pregnancies after 364 transcervical RFAs. The number of patients from these studies actively trying to conceive after RFA is unknown. Among the RFA patients who conceived, the average age at ablation was 37 years old (range, 27-46 years). Most patients had between 1 and 3 myomas ablated, and myomas size ranged from <2 cm to 12.5 cm. There were 6 spontaneous abortions (12%) and 44 full-term pregnancies (88%), of which 24 were vaginal deliveries and 20 were cesarean deliveries. There were only 2 complications among 44 deliveries: one placenta previa that underwent an uncomplicated cesarean delivery and 1 delayed postpartum hemorrhage with expulsion of a degenerated myoma, with no long-term sequelae. There were no cases of uterine rupture, uterine window, or invasive placentation and no fetal complications. The spontaneous abortion rate was comparable with the general obstetric population. Almost all pregnancies after RFA of myomas were full-term deliveries with no maternal or neonatal complications. These findings add to the literature that radiofrequency myoma ablation may offer a safe and effective alternative to existing treatments for women who desire future fertility.