EP20.16: Transvaginal ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency thermal ablation of uterine fibroids: preliminary results of the Myoblate™ system in Austria

To assess the subjective and objective outcomes of transvaginal ultrasound-guided (US-guided) radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) of symptomatic uterine fibroids. This is the first prospective, cohort pilot study with the Myoblate™ system in Austria. 11 premenopausal patients with symptomatic uterine fibroid were enrolled in our study from January 2023 to December 2023. The inclusion criteria were single uterine fibroid of FIGO type 1, 2 or 3, and lesion diameter of 20 – 40 mm. All patients underwent transvaginal US-guided RFA with a planned follow-up of 12 months. The preliminary results were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months after RFA. The pre- and postoperative uterine fibroid volumes were measured by three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography. The subjective menstrual blood loss was evaluated by pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC). The mean age of the patients was 41 ± 5.5 years. At 1, 3 and 6 months follow-up after RFA, a significant decrease in the maximal diameter (p: 0.0444, 0.0001, 0.0007, respectively) and the volume of the fibroids (p: 0.0072, 0.0035 and 0.0088, respectively) was noted. The subjective menstrual blood loss had also significantly decreased (p: 0.0003, 0.0013 and 0.0008, respectively) at 1, 3 and 6 months. There was a moderate positive correlation (p =0.5585) between PBAC and fibroid volume, and a strong positive correlation (p =0.7566) between PBAC and maximal diameter of fibroid. Transvaginal RFA of uterine fibroids is an effective, minimally invasive treatment option in selected patients. We have demonstrated symptomatic and ultrasonic improvement of fibroids. Larger longer term follow up studies are required.