Fibroid ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to destroy targeted uterine fibroid tissue, causing the fibroids to shrink over time without removing the uterus. Radiofrequency ablation can be performed using different approaches, including laparoscopic and transcervical techniques. It is one of several uterus-preserving treatment options available for women experiencing symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and pelvic pain.
Another minimally invasive treatment is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). UFE works differently from fibroid ablation by blocking blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. While both fibroid ablation and UFE can treat symptomatic fibroids while preserving the uterus, they work in different ways, and each has its own benefits and considerations. Understanding how fibroid ablation works, along with its potential benefits and risks, can help you compare options and make informed decisions with a fibroid specialist.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UFE VS. ABLATION
Who May Be a Candidate for Fibroid Ablation?
Ablation for fibroids may be recommended for patients experiencing symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure caused by fibroids. Whether you are a candidate for uterine fibroid ablation depends on the specific ablation technique as well as the size, number, and location of your fibroids.
Factors a fibroid specialist may consider when determining whether fibroid ablation is appropriate include:
- The size, number, and location of your fibroids
- Your symptoms and their severity
- Your overall health and medical history
- Previous uterine or abdominal procedures
- Your future pregnancy and fertility goals
- The specific type of ablation being considered
When considering fibroid ablation, your overall health is not the only factor that affects the procedure’s effectiveness. Before treatment, your doctor may perform an ultrasound, hysteroscopy, or biopsy to evaluate your uterus and rule out other conditions.
Fibroid Types Commonly Treated With Ablation
The types of fibroids that can be treated with ablation vary depending on the specific procedure. Some radiofrequency ablation techniques may be used to treat:
- Certain small to moderate-sized fibroids
- Multiple fibroids, depending on their size and location
- Intramural fibroids
- Subserosal fibroids
Larger fibroids, fibroids that significantly distort the uterine cavity, or certain fibroid locations may affect whether a particular ablation technique is appropriate. Imaging can help a fibroid specialist determine which treatment options may be suitable.
Types of Fibroid Ablation Procedures
Radiofrequency ablation for uterine fibroids can be performed using different approaches depending on fibroid size, location, and your reproductive goals.
Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation
Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation treats fibroids using heat to destroy fibroid tissue. This procedure uses a thin fiber-optic tube along with a camera to locate the fibroids. A third instrument is then inserted into the fibroids, delivering small needles heated with radiofrequency energy to destroy targeted fibroid tissue. The treated fibroids then gradually shrink over time.
Potential side effects of radiofrequency ablation for fibroids may include:
- Mild pelvic pain
- Cramping
- Bruising
- Rare skin burns
Patients who are pregnant or hope to become pregnant in the future should discuss their fertility goals with a specialist before choosing radiofrequency ablation. While pregnancy after radiofrequency ablation is possible, available data on pregnancy outcomes are more limited than for some other fibroid treatments.
Transcervical Radiofrequency Ablation (Sonata)
Transcervical uterine ablation for fibroids, commonly performed using the Sonata® System, treats fibroids through the cervix without abdominal incisions.
An ultrasound wand is inserted through the cervix to identify fibroids, and then radiofrequency energy is delivered directly into the tissue to shrink them. Since there are no abdominal incisions, there is typically less pain and discomfort and a shorter recovery period compared to surgical procedures.
Benefits & Risks of Fibroid Ablation
Fibroid ablation can provide meaningful symptom improvement for some patients, with potential benefits that may include:
- Gradual improvement in fibroid-related symptoms as treated fibroids shrink
- Lower risk of affecting ovarian function compared with procedures that remove the uterus or ovaries
- Shorter recovery compared with hysterectomy
- Potential to treat multiple fibroids during one procedure, depending on the ablation technique
However, fibroid ablation carries risks, such as:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Injury to the surrounding organs
- Thermal burns
- Incomplete symptom relief
- Persistent or recurrent symptoms that may require additional treatment
Fertility and Pregnancy After Ablation
Future pregnancy may be an important consideration when evaluating radiofrequency ablation for fibroids.
Laparoscopic and transcervical radiofrequency ablation preserve the uterus, and pregnancies have occurred after these procedures. However, uterus preservation does not guarantee future fertility, and available evidence on pregnancy outcomes following radiofrequency ablation remains more limited than the evidence available for some longer-established fibroid treatments.
If future pregnancy is a goal, discuss it with a fibroid specialist when comparing treatment options.
Fibroid Ablation Recovery
Fibroid ablation is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using anesthesia or sedation, depending on the type of ablation performed. Rather than removing fibroids, the physician destroys fibroid tissue with radiofrequency or another type of energy, allowing the fibroids to gradually shrink over time.
With fibroid ablation recovery, many patients go home the same day as the procedure. The time it takes to return to normal activities varies depending on the type of ablation performed and your individual recovery. There may be cramping for several days following ablation, along with light bleeding or discharge after certain procedures.
Your physician will provide instructions for follow-up care based on the type of ablation performed and your recovery. However, if you have signs of infection, such as fever, chills, uncontrollable pain, heavy bleeding, or foul-smelling discharge, contact your doctor immediately.
Alternatives to Fibroid Ablation
Fibroid ablation is not the only minimally invasive fibroid treatment. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids while preserving the uterus. Unlike ablation, which applies energy directly to targeted fibroid tissue, UFE works by blocking the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.
During UFE, a fibroid specialist inserts a small catheter into a wrist or groin artery and guides it to the uterine arteries to release tiny embolic particles that block blood flow to the fibroids. It requires no surgical incisions and can treat multiple fibroids of varying sizes. UFE is typically performed with local anesthesia and sedation rather than general anesthesia.
A fibroid specialist can help you determine which treatment options may be appropriate for you. Before offering treatment recommendations, they can assess your symptoms and take into account your other health conditions.
Find Expert Fibroid Care at USA Fibroid Centers
If you want to explore minimally invasive fibroid treatment options, USA Fibroid Centers offers access to experienced fibroid specialists who can evaluate your symptoms and discuss options such as UFE. Our specialists provide comprehensive evaluations to determine which treatment option may be appropriate for your needs.
Learn more about ablation and UFE, and discover treatment options that can help reduce fibroid symptoms by contacting us at 855.615.2555 and visiting one of our centers located nationwide.
FAQs About Fibroid Ablation
Does fibroid ablation permanently remove fibroids?
Fibroid ablation does not permanently remove fibroids or prevent new ones from developing. Instead, it destroys targeted fibroid tissue, causing it to shrink.
How soon can symptoms improve after ablation?
The timeline for symptom improvement after fibroid ablation varies by procedure and patient. Some symptoms may begin to improve during recovery, while improvements related to fibroid shrinkage can occur gradually over the following weeks or months. Your physician can explain what to expect based on the type of ablation performed.
What is the safest procedure to remove fibroids?
The appropriate fibroid treatment depends on factors such as the size, number, and location of your fibroids, the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, previous treatments, and your fertility goals. A fibroid specialist can evaluate these factors and discuss treatment options that may be appropriate for you.
Is fibroid ablation painful?
Most patients experience some discomfort after fibroid ablation, including cramping, pelvic pain, or light bleeding depending on the procedure. Anesthesia or sedation may be used during treatment based on the type of ablation performed. Your physician can recommend medication to help manage any discomfort during recovery.
Can fibroids come back after ablation?
While fibroid ablation targets and shrinks fibroid tissue, it does not prevent new fibroids from developing or untreated fibroids from growing over time. If symptoms return, your fibroid specialist can recommend additional treatment options based on your condition.