Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery for uterine fibroids: Initial experience in Korea

Objective: The purpose of this report is to review the safety and short-term efficacy of non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) on uterine myomas in Korean women. Methods: A total of 29 outpatient Korean women, whose mean age was 39.1±5.8 years, were treated using the MRgFUS system for their symptomatic uterine myomas. Patients’ symptoms were recorded using a validated symptom-specific questionnaire on treatment day, and at follow-up visits, 3 and 6 months post treatment. Data on adverse events was recorded on each follow up period. Results: Symptom improvement was experienced by 83% of the patients at the three months follow-up, and 90% of the patients reported on improved quality of life by the six months follow-up. There were no serious adverse events during the treatments or the follow-up period. Conclusion: MRgFUS appears to be a safe and effective treatment for symptoms relief of uterine fibroids. Additional reports on longer follow up should verify long-term durability.