Faculty Bibliography

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:This article provides a clinical review of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas. RECENT FINDINGS:RFA is an effective and durable treatment for fibroids with sustained improvements in fibroid volume, bleeding, and patient reported outcomes with low reintervention rates. Although fertility data is limited, it is overall positive and may represent a uterine conserving and fertility preserving treatment modality. SUMMARY:RFA is a safe and effective uterine preserving treatment option for symptomatic leiomyomas.

Leiomyomas (fibroids) are common, usually benign, monoclonal tumors that arise from the uterine myometrium. Clinical presentation is variable; some patients are asymptomatic, whereas others experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, bulk symptoms, and/or alterations in fertility. Previously, treatment options for fibroids were largely surgical. However, over the last decade, options have grown to include many medical and procedural options that allow for uterine and fertility preservation. Clinicians must become familiar with these options to adequately counsel patients desiring treatment of fibroids.