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Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Fibroid Ablation: A Review of Current Use and Future Applications

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (Lap-RFA), which was FDA-cleared for the management of symptomatic uterine fibroids in 2012, offers a promising minimally invasive option for the treatment of fibroids. Although a relatively new technology, there is a substantial amount of literature that indicates it is a safe, effective option that has decreased operative time when compared to laparoscopic myomectomy, a low likelihood of complication, and a high chance of sustained reduction of fibroid burden for patients. We present the current literature that evaluates Lap-RFA in its current use, as well as present the future of the technology.

Recent Findings

The current literature demonstrates that Lap-RFA succeeds in treating a large amount of FIGO 2–6 fibroids with clinical improvements in fibroid volume, menstrual blood loss, dysmenorrhea, fibroid-related symptom scores, and overall quality of life. Some data indicates that the technology may be safe for patients who desire future fertility or have adenomyosis, though large trials have yet to be performed.

Summary

Lap-RFA offers promising long-term data that demonstrate treatment effectiveness is robust with relatively low complication rates. There are many possible future directions of research for this technology, including its use with patients who desire future fertility or have adenomyosis, as well as in combination with other treatments of fibroids.

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Data Availability

All data presented in the article to support the findings are included in the article and supplementary materials.

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA

    Natalie D. Cohen, Emily Lin, Jessica K. Shields & Kimberly A. Kho

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  1. Natalie D. Cohen
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  2. Emily Lin
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  3. Jessica K. Shields
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  4. Kimberly A. Kho
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the manuscript text and reviewed the manuscript. Author NC created the mansucript table.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Natalie D. Cohen.

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Conflict of Interest

Authors 1, 2, and 3 report not conflict of interest. Author 4 has received a grant from Hologic for a PI investigator-initiated study, and serves on the Medical Advisory Board for Channel Med Systems.

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Cohen, N.D., Lin, E., Shields, J.K. et al. Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Fibroid Ablation: A Review of Current Use and Future Applications. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-024-00382-1

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