Focused ultrasound surgery for uterine fibroids

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Risks

By Mayo Clinic staff

Rarely, MR-guided focused ultrasound may result in:

  • Burns to the skin on your abdomen
  • Damage to tissues and structures near the fibroid targeted for treatment
  • Severe discomfort or pain during the procedure

Other drawbacks of MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery include:

  • Some fibroids may not be able to be treated
  • May require further treatment if your symptoms return
  • Lacks long-term data on safety and effectiveness
  • Not widely available, as it's limited to specialized clinics
  • Not an option for women who want to optimize chance of a future pregnancy
References
  1. Hudson SB, et al. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;51:159.
  2. Haney AF. Leiomyomata. In: Gibb RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:916.
  3. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of leiomyomas. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2008;112:387.
  4. Hesley GK, et al. Noninvasive treatment of uterine fibroids: Early Mayo Clinic experience with magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2006;81:936.
  5. Stewart EA, et al. Sustained relief of leiomyoma symptoms by using focused ultrasound surgery. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2007;110:279.
  6. Stewart EA, et al. Clinical outcomes of focused ultrasound surgery for the treatment of uterine fibroids. Fertility and Sterility. 2006;85:22.
  7. Fennessy FM, et al. Uterine leiomyomas: MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery - Results of different treatment protocols. Radiology. 2007;243:885.
  8. Funaki K, et al. Clinical outcomes of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery for uterine myomas: 24-month follow-up. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2009;34:584.
  9. Rabinovici J, et al. Pregnancy outcome after magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) for conservative treatment of uterine fibroids. Fertility and Sterility. 2010;1:199.
MY00503 March 31, 2011

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