Susceptibility of uterine myomas and endometrium to cryosurgery using a carbon dioxide cryosurgical probe in vitro.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a 9-mm diameter carbon dioxide cryoprobe, the Endocryo, on myomas and endometrial/myometrial tissue in vitro.

DESIGN

Comparative laboratory study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

University laboratory.

PATIENTS

Women with and without myomas, undergoing hysterectomy.

INTERVENTION

A single 5-minute freeze followed by an active thaw was applied to uterine myomas and endometrial/myometrial tissue in vitro.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Endometrial/myometrial and uterine myoma temperature change was measured continuously during the cryosurgical procedure. Depth of cell death was measured using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase enzyme assay. There was no significant difference in temperature change and depth of cell death between myomas and endometrial/myometrial tissue in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

The Endocryo produces the same cryosurgical effect on both uterine myomas and endometrial/myometrial tissue in vitro, an important principal for future development of a clinically effective cryosurgical device for the treatment of menorrhagia in the presence of submucous myomas.