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Dr Michael Cooper
Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels for treating symptomatic fibroids.
Fertil Steril 2001;75:417-422.
Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels may be a new, less invasive method of treating symptomatic fibroids, according to a report published in the February issue of Fertility and Sterility.
Dr. Wei-Min Liu and colleagues, from the Veterans General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan, assessed the ability of the laparoscopic coagulation method to reduce fibroid size and promote a clinical response in 87 women with symptomatic fibroids who wanted to retain their uteri. Hysterectomy or myomectomy had been thought to be warranted in all cases.
Nearly all women underwent successful uterine vessel coagulation without intraoperative complications, the investigators note. At a mean follow-up of 10.2 months, 89.4% of women reported improvement in their symptoms, including 21.2% who noted complete resolution.
On average, a 76% and 46% reduction was noted in fibroid size and uterine volume, respectively, the authors state. Two patients successfully conceived after treatment, but three premenopausal patients became postmenopausal postoperatively.
"Many women who have been offered a hysterectomy or myomectomy for fibroids have been unwilling to undergo major surgery, lose their uteri, or have blood transfusions," the researchers explain. "Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels is well tolerated, with a short hospital stay and rapid recovery."
Dr. Liu's team cautions, however, that "the long-term results of this new technique, recurrence of symptoms, possible side effects, and the long-term effects on uterine and ovarian function" still need to be evaluated.
Michael Cooper
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Last updated 19th June, 2001