CT-Monitored Percutaneous Cryoablation of Uterine Fibroids after Uterine Artery Embolization

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of percutaneous cryoablation on uterine fibroids using computed tomographic （CT） guidance after uterine artery embolization. METHODS Twelve patients who failed to respond to uterine artery em- bolization were treated using percutaneous cryoablation. All patients had undergone previous uterine artery embolization an average of 1.2 years （0.7;.6 years） ago. Two cases had abnormal bleeding, and the other 10 suf- fered from pressure and/or pelvic pain. Myoma diameters were 4 cm to 16.5 cm. By using CT guidance, 2.0, 2.4, 3.0 or 3.8 mm cryoprobes were placed into the fibroid, and two 15;0 min freezing processes were performed. He- mostasis was achieved only by pressing the incisions for several minutes. MR-imaging was performed before the procedure to measure the size and number of fibroid tumors, and follow- up MR-imaging determined the reduc- tion of the lesions. RESULTS All patients were discharged within 48 h of treatment. Almost no hemorrhage was found in all of the cases. No bladder or bowel injury or significant postsurgery pain was reported. Ice spheres were readily visual- ized at CT. Beam-hardening artifact from the metal probes was present, but did not interfere with the procedure. Myomas regressed up to 76.3% after 12 months of treatment, and the primary symptoms improved in all treated women. CONCLUSION CT-monitored percutaneous cryoablation is an effective and minimally invasive therapy for symptom relief and fibroid shrinkage after the failure of uterine artery embolization.