Two Procedures May Yield Similar Symptom Relief for Uterine Fibroids

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation and myomectomy proved to be equally effective in alleviating symptoms and enhancing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for patients with uterine fibroids, according to a prospective cohort study. Over a span of two years, the differences in symptom severity scale scores and HRQOL improvements between the two groups were below the clinically significant thresholds, reported Dr. Antoinette Allen of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and her colleagues in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

While myomectomy showed modest improvements at the 6-month mark, these advantages vanished by the 24-month mark, indicating that both procedures offer substantial and durable benefits. Fibroids, benign pelvic tumors, affect a significant portion of reproductive-aged women, with Black women being disproportionately impacted due to larger and earlier onset. Hysterectomy, the definitive treatment, is not suitable for those seeking fertility preservation or uterine retention, and it is associated with long-term risks.

The study, known as ULTRA, compared outcomes of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation and myomectomy in a large, diverse cohort of premenopausal women planning uterine-preserving surgery. Despite some limitations, such as being nonrandomized and having varying baseline leiomyoma characteristics, the researchers concluded that both procedures yield significant and sustained benefits in symptom relief and HRQOL, supporting personalized treatment decisions based on individual patient goals, clinical factors, and shared decision-making.