Magnetic resonance-guided percutaneous laser ablation of uterine fibroids

Laser ablation of uterine fibroids using a percutaneous approach under loca l anesthetic in an open magnetic resonance (MR) scanner was performed in 12 symptomatic women awaiting hysterectomy. Accurate laser fiber placement wa s assisted by the use of an MR needle tracking system, as well as laser hea t dissipation monitored during treatment by a real-time imaging processor. This day case procedure was well tolerated by all women, with eight women s ubsequently declining their planned surgery. Follow-up measurements of trea ted fibroid volume by AM demonstrated a mean decrease of 37.5% at 3 months. This novel minimally invasive approach offers an alternative to surgery fo r women with fibroids, but longer follow-up is required to ascertain maxima l fibroid shrinkage and to compare outcome with traditional surgery. (C) 20 00 Wiley-Liss, Inc.