Laparoscopic multi-bipolar radiofrequency ablation of fibroids: impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of multi-bipolar radiofrequency ablation compared to standard laparoscopic myomectomy in treating uterine fibroids, focusing on women's quality of life.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

La Conception Hospital, APHM-Marseille, France.

PATIENTS

50 women with symptomatic fibroids treated between December 2021 and December 2023.

INTERVENTION

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation or conventional laparoscopic myomectomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

After excluding patients who did not complete the preoperative quality-of-life questionnaire, 34 underwent myomectomy and 16 radiofrequency ablation. At 3 months, no significant differences were observed in HRQOL improvement (9.2 ± 34.3 vs 24.2 ± 28.2, p = 0.14), SSS (- 27.5 ± 31.5 vs - 23.3 ± 33, p = 0.66), or FSFI (0.9 ± 14.7 vs - 1.5 ± 10.8, p = 0.40). The 6-month outcomes also showed no significant difference. Baseline fibroid-specific quality of life was significantly and negatively associated with improvement (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both procedures improved quality of life and reduced fibroid-related symptoms at 3 and 6 months, with no significant difference. Myolysis showed fewer peri- and postoperative complications, suggesting a better safety profile and potential as a conservative treatment option.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The ethics committee of Aix Marseille University approved this study on April 18, 2024, under the reference number 2024-04-18-08.