[Preoperative reduction of uterine leiomyoma by the GnRH-analog goserelin (zoladex)].

The administration of GnRH analogues is expected to improve treatment by avoiding hysterectomy, since problems connected with the surgical removal of leiomyomata are correlated with their size. In this study the GnRH analogue goserelin in its depot formulation (Zoladex, ICI, Plankstadt) was used for treating isolated leiomyomata of the uterus. All patients were treated for 3 months before myomectomy was performed. The complete regression of a large myoma (206 cm3) was observed in 1 of 11 patients. In 5 cases a reduction in volume of more than 50% was achieved. Ovarian function was suppressed by goserelin, after a short-term stimulation, within 7 +/- 3 days. Serum levels of 17 beta-oestradiol were found to be generally less than 25 pg/ml. All patients reported climacteric complaints, but in no case had therapy to be discontinued. After cessation of goserelin, restoration of ovarian function was observed in all patients.