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Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Myomectomy: Safety, Efficacy, Subsequent Fertility and Quality-of-Life Improvements, A Systematic Review

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Abstract

We performed a systematic review about studies reporting data of myomectomy performed by magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) technique in order to define its safety, feasibility, indications, complications, and impact on uterine fibroid symptom and health-related quality of life (UFS-QOL) and fertility. Outcomes were considered according to fibroids shrinkage, nonperfused volume (NPV), NPV ratio, and uterine fibroid symptoms assessed with UFS-QOL questionnaire (baseline 3, 4, 6, and 12 months). We analyzed 38 eligible studies reporting outcomes about 2500 patients (mean age 43.67 years). The MRgFUS results a safe, efficient, and cost-effective minimal invasive technique for treatment of uterine fibroids. Increasing experience, device improvements, and availability for a larger number of patients are enhancing the outcomes, while the obstetrical ones should be more extensively explored. The MRgFUS could be considered as a minimal invasive alternative to traditional surgical or radiological procedures for the treatment of symptomatic uterine myomas improving both QOL and subsequent fertility.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy

    Salvatore Gizzo MD, Carlo Saccardi MD, PhD, Emanuele Ancona MD, Marco Noventa MD, Simone Fagherazzi MD, Bruno Mozzanega MD, Donato D’Antona MD & Giovanni Battista Nardelli MD

  2. Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy

    Tito Silvio Patrelli MD

Authors
  1. Salvatore Gizzo MD
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  2. Carlo Saccardi MD, PhD
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  3. Tito Silvio Patrelli MD
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Correspondence to Salvatore Gizzo MD.

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Gizzo, S., Saccardi, C., Patrelli, T.S. et al. Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Myomectomy: Safety, Efficacy, Subsequent Fertility and Quality-of-Life Improvements, A Systematic Review. Reprod. Sci. 21, 465–476 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719113497289

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