Authors' objectives:

The aim of this report is to review the available information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided focused ultrasound, a minimally invasive alternative to surgical and less invasive treatments for uterine fibroids.

Authors' recommendations: As effect on fertility is unknown, the technology has only been used in pre- or peri-menopausal women who do not desire a future pregnancy. Given the high prevalence of uterine fibroids and the non-invasive nature of this treatment, wide acceptance by women with symptomatic fibroids might be expected - if its ability to maintain fertility can be shown. Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound provides a minimally invasive opportunity to treat symptomatic fibroids in an outpatient setting. It offers potential advantages over surgical treatments, such as shorter recovery time and fewer complications. Multiple treatments may be required; some patients will ultimately require a hysterectomy because of the fibroid regrowth and symptom recurrence. Application is in an early phase. Cost-benefit is unknown. Studies are needed of the long-term effectiveness of this procedure, both in a larger study group and in comparative studies with other uterine-sparing methods such as ultrasound-guided-focused ultrasound and uterine fibroid embolization.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/

Year Published: 2005

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)