高强度聚焦超声治疗子宫肌瘤的研究进展

子宫肌瘤可导致异常子宫出血、尿频或便秘、不孕等症状,影响患者的身心健康。高强度聚焦超声（high-intensity focused ultrasound,HIFU）是通过聚焦体外低能量超声波促使靶组织发生坏死的一项技术,可显著缩小子宫肌瘤的体积,进而改善患者的临床相关症状,已成为子宫肌瘤治疗的一种重要方法。HIFU治疗子宫肌瘤具有无创、可保留子宫结构完整性的优势,可安全地用于有生育要求的子宫肌瘤患者并能缩短其治疗后的避孕时间。但HIFU治疗子宫肌瘤后远期的再干预率较高,还可能增加早产和胎儿生长受限等妊娠并发症的发生率。HIFU治疗前对于子宫肉瘤等恶性疾病的排除问题也尚无完好的解决办法。对近年来HIFU治疗子宫肌瘤的相关研究进行综述,为临床上子宫肌瘤的治疗提供参考。     

In vivo feasibility of image-guided transvaginal focused ultrasound therapy for the treatment of intracavitary fibroids

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of uterine tissue ablation in vivo using a transvaginal focused ultrasound applicator guided by ultrasound imaging. DESIGN: Randomized in vivo animal study. SETTING: Academic research environment. ANIMAL(S): Healthy anesthetized sheep. INTERVENTION(S): Uterine treatment location was determined using a computerized targeting system. Five sonications 10 seconds in duration and averaging 2,000 W/cm(2) of focal ultrasound intensity were applied in each animal's uterus. Animals were euthanized either immediately or 2, 7, or 30 days post-treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Gross and microscopic analysis of the dissected uterus was used to quantitatively and qualitatively determine the ablated region and treatment side effects. RESULT(S): Treatments resulted in coagulative necrosis. Histopathological analysis showed that over 7 days, inflammatory cells appeared and smooth muscle bundles regenerated. By day 30, treated tissues healed and scar tissue formed. None of the animals showed abnormal behavior or medical problems. Complications in three animals were damage to the vaginal wall and colon, possibly due to inadequate applicator cooling and an empty bladder during treatment. CONCLUSION(S): Transvaginal image-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound has potential for treating uterine fibroids. Further safety testing of this treatment will prepare it for human use.     

多发子宫肌瘤高强度聚焦超声治疗与生育

子宫肌瘤是最常见的女性生殖系统良性肿瘤,子宫肌瘤导致的不孕占所有不孕症患者的5％～10％。子宫肌瘤对于妊娠不同时期及分娩期、产褥期均可造成不良影响。多发子宫肌瘤患者占子宫肌瘤患者的50%,多发子宫肌瘤患者常比单发子宫肌瘤患者更易出现临床症状,且症状更严重,对生育的影响也更大。手术挖出肌瘤是治疗有生育要求的多发子宫肌瘤的首选方法。但因肌瘤多,手术对子宫损伤大,且术后恢复时间长。高强度聚焦超声（HIFU）治疗多发子宫肌瘤,可减少对有生育要求的多发子宫肌瘤患者子宫的损伤,缩短术后备孕时间。     

Tissue ablation using high-intensity focused ultrasound in the fetal sheep model: potential for fetal treatment

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of fetal tissue in a sheep model. HIFU can deliver large amounts of thermal energy by using ultrasonic waves to induce tissue necrosis, without damaging intervening tissues. In contrast to diagnostic ultrasound where intensity levels are below 0.1 W/cm(2), HIFU can deliver 1,000 to 10,000 W/cm(2) at the focal spot. STUDY DESIGN: A protocol for HIFU-induced tissue coagulation in the fetus was developed in the ovine model. The fetal liver, lung, kidney, muscle, and placenta were targets for ultrasound-guided tissue ablation by a HIFU beam. All lesions were assessed macroscopically and by histologic analysis. RESULTS: In all animals, a necrotic lesion, similar in size to the HIFU focus (approximately 1x9 mm), was achieved. The fetal heart rate remained stable immediately after the procedure. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, HIFU ablation seems to be an effective means to coagulate even highly vascularized tissues in the fetus. This procedure shows promise as a transcutaneous, minimally invasive technique to decrease blood flow through fetal tumors or vascular anastomoses. We are currently conducting further studies to refine the HIFU technique and assess safety for fetus and mother.     

超声消融治疗子宫黏膜下肌瘤的安全性和疗效评价

目的 探讨超声消融治疗突入宫腔体积＜50%的子宫黏膜下肌瘤的安全性及疗效.方法 前瞻性选择2006年10月至2009年9月在解放军总医院妇产科就诊有明显临床症状的、经MRI确诊的突出官腔体积＜50%的子宫黏膜下肌瘤患者66例(68个肌瘤),行超声引导下的聚焦超声消融治疗,记录消融治疗过程中及消融治疗后出现的不良反应;消融治疗后即刻采用超声造影评价消融治疗的疗效,消融治疗后第3、6、12和24个月,超声评价肌瘤体积变化;采用子宫肌瘤相关症状评分表(SSS)和月经期症状评分表评估症状变化.结果 共66例患者的68个黏膜下肌瘤消融治疗前肌瘤平均体积为(151±134)cm3,消融治疗后即刻超声造影中无灌注区平均体积为(114±104)cm3,肌瘤体积消融率为(77±16)%.所有患者均顺利完成治疗,随访时间为6～44个月,中位随访时间24个月,至今未出现显著并发症.消融治疗后有52%(34/66)的患者出现阴道排液症状,均于消融治疗3～4个月经周期后自行恢复正常.消融治疗后第3、6、12和24个月时,SSS评分与消融治疗前比较,分别降低20.9%、38.0%、45.1%、47.1%;月经期症状评分与消融治疗前比较,分别降低42.0%、63.8%、64.2%、68.8%,分别与治疗前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05),坏死肌瘤逐渐吸收缩小,肌瘤体积较消融治疗前平均缩小44.7%、66.0%、77.7%和89.8%.结论 超声消融治疗突入宫腔体积＜50%的子宫黏膜下肌瘤安全、有效,黏膜下肌瘤相关症状改善显著.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of focused ultrasound ablation in the treatment of submucosal fibroids which broke into uterine cavity less than 50%. Methods From Oct. 2006 to Sept. 2009, 66 patients with 69 submucosal fibroids broke into uterine cavity less than 50% diagnosed by MRI in Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital were enrolled in this study. They were treated by ultrasound-guided focused ultrasound ablation in the outpatient department, which using the contrast enhanced ultrasonography to assess the efficacy after ablation immediately, to measure reduction of fibroids volume and record adverse effect before and after ultrasound ablation. At 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment, ablation outcome and fibroids volumes were evaluated by contrast ultrasound. The changes of clinical symptom were evaluated by the symptom severity score ( SSS) of the uterine fibroid quality-of-life instrument( UFS-QOL). Results The average volume of fibroids in 66 patients with 68 submucosal fibroids were (151 ±134) cm3 before treatment and (114 ± 104) cm3 no enhanced regional after treatment. The ablation rate of target fibroids was (77 ±16)%. All patients completed this treatment successfully, they were followed up for 6 - 44 months, the median follow-up time was 24 months. No serious complication was observed. However, there were 52% (34/66) patients presented vaginal discharge after ablation, it disappeared gradually after 3 to 4 menstrual cycles. The SSS and the menstrual period symptom scores were significantly lower than that before ablation at the follow-up of 3,6, 12 and 24 months, the rates were 20. 9% , 38. 0% , 45. 1% , 47. 1% and 42. 0% , 63. 8% , 64. 2% , 68. 8% , which all reached statistical difference (P ＜ 0. 05 ). The necrotic fibroids were absorbed gradually, the reduction rates of fibroid volume were 44. 7% ,66. 0% ,77. 7% and 89. 8% . Conclusion It was safe and efficacy that focused ultrasound ablation was used in treatment of submucosal fibroids which broke into the uterine less than 50%.     

500 Cases of High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Ablated Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis

ObjectiveClinical outcomes of 500 high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)-treated uterine fibroids and adenomyosis are analyzed and presented.Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis from a single tertiary medical center. From April 2015 to October 2018, 546 cases were enrolled for the study. After excluding 46 patients with less than 3 months of follow-up period, there were 404 fibroids, 149 adenomyosis and 53 mixed conditions entered for analysis. The patients’ uterine fibroids and adenomyosis were treated by HIFU according to Chongqing Haifu protocol, with 12 cm diameter transducer of focal length 10–16  cm at 0.8 or 1.6 MHz T2-weight MRI imaging was rendered prior to and 3 month post treatment to assess lesion volume change using non-perfusion volume, which was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes including quality of life, subjective satisfaction, adverse events and pregnancy rate were determined using self-reported questionnaires. The mean follow up period ranged from 3 to 38 months with an average of 21 months.ResultsThree months after HIFU-treated uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, the lesion size reduced 40.2% and 46.3%, respectively. Symptoms all improved with better quality of life for the fibroid group, while those with adenomyosis or combined diseases benefit the most from pain control. Serum CA125 decreased significantly for all studied groups, and LDH only showed improvement for fibroids group. Number of adverse events is comparable to Chongqing data (approximately 10.2%), with mostly mild and self-resolving conditions. No permanent sequelae or death was documented. Twelve pregnancies are reported in this cohort.ConclusionHIFU is safe and effective in treating uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. The results are reproducible if standardized treatment schedules are followed. It is a promising treatment alternative with the advantages of precision, non-invasiveness, rapid recovery and readiness for pregnancy.     

Treatment of uterine leiomyosarcoma in a xenograft nude mouse model using high-intensity focused ultrasound: a potential treatment modality for recurrent pelvic disease

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to test the efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for treatment of uterine leiomyosarcoma in a Xenograft nude mouse model. METHODS: A total of 65 athymic nude mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 5 to 7 x 10(6) ELT-5B cells, a uterine leiomyosarcoma cell line derived from the Eker rat. Thirty animals showed tumor growth. The tumor volume was measured transcutaneously once a week. Animals were randomly assigned to three groups: HIFU treatment (n = 17), sham treatment (n = 7), and control (n = 6). A HIFU device, operating at a frequency of 2.0 MHz and an intensity of 2000 W/cm(2), was used for treatment. RESULTS: Within 3 weeks of a single HIFU treatment, 100% reduction in tumor volume was observed in all animals, except one. A second HIFU treatment was applied to that animal, resulting in 100% reduction in tumor volume. The tumors in the sham-treated animals continued to grow at a similar rate to that of the control group to approximately 500% of the tumor volume at the time of treatment. All animals were monitored for a maximum of 3 months. No metastasis was observed in the HIFU-treated animals. Histological examination confirmed a complete tumor disappearance after HIFU treatment. CONCLUSION: We have shown that HIFU can effectively treat uterine leiomyosarcoma tumors inoculated in Xenograft nude mice, demonstrating HIFU's potential use for treatment of recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma.     

高强度聚焦超声消融联合GnRHa治疗子宫腺肌病的临床研究

目的：将高强度聚焦超声（HIFU）消融与促性腺激素释放激素激动剂（GnRHa）联合用于子宫腺肌病患者的治疗,并结合临床实际探讨其应用价值。方法：将石家庄市第一医院妇产科2015年1月—2018年1月诊治的89例子宫腺肌病患者作为研究对象。将入组病例分为2组：HIFU联合GnRHa组（41例）和单纯HIFU组（48例）,比较2组患者治疗后随访1年的疗效指标。结果：HIFU联合GnRHa组病灶体积缩小率和子宫体积缩小率均大于单纯HIFU组,差异有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。HIFU联合GnRHa组血红蛋白水平高于单纯HIFU组,差异有统计学意义（P=0.044）。HIFU联合GnRHa组痛经VRS评分亦优于单纯HIFU组,差异有统计学意义（P=0.018）。2组患者血清CA125水平和不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）。结论：与仅采用HIFU消融比较,HIFU联合GnRHa治疗子宫腺肌病能更有效地缩小病灶体积和子宫体积,同时改善血红蛋白水平和痛经症状。     

团块与整体灰度变化在超声消融治疗子宫腺肌病的意义

目的:比较高强度聚焦超声(HIFU)消融治疗子宫腺肌病时,病灶出现团块状灰度变化及整体灰度变化的意义。方法:回顾性研究60例行超声消融治疗的子宫腺肌病患者的灰度变化情况,并与治疗后1 d的增强核磁共振成像(MRI)进行比较,分析团块状灰度变化及整体灰度变化与治疗剂量、治疗时间、治疗强度及MRI非灌注区的关系。结果:MRI显示团块状变化组和整体灰度变化组的腺肌病病灶大小差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。治疗后1 d增强MRI检查发现,团块灰度变化组与整体灰度变化组在消融率、消融体积及治疗强度等方面差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);但整体灰度变化组的治疗剂量、治疗时间明显高于团块状灰度变化组(P<0.05)。两组患者治疗后即刻不良反应差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:HIFU治疗子宫腺肌病时,整体灰度变化也能明确反映消融效果,只要治疗强度达标,为降低过度治疗的风险,不必强求团块状灰度变化。     

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for uterine fibroids: a meta-analysis

Purpose

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive uterine-preserving treatment alternative to hysterectomy for women with fibroids.

Methods

We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of HIFU in the treatment of women with symptomatic fibroids comparing it to other approaches including medical treatment with mifepristone (Mife), traditional surgery with myomectomy or hysterectomy (MYC/HRM), and radiofrequency ablation (RF). 16 studies with 1725 women were included.

Results

The pooled data of HIFU comparing it to other methods in terms of complete or partial response rate (CR/PR) was not significantly better, but in subgroup analysis, the response rate was significantly higher than Mife, significantly lower than RF and comparable to MYC/HRM, respectively. For the endpoints of safety, the superiority of HIFU compared to MYC/HMR or Mife was found to be significant in terms of pain/discomfort, fever, transfusion, genital tract, gastrointestinal tract, and anesthesia-related complications, while no superiority was identified for skin burn, urinary tract, and nervous system complications.

Conclusion

These results suggest that HIFU treatment of uterine leiomyomas leads to clinical improvement with few significant clinical complications and adverse events.

     

超声引导下射频消融治疗子宫肌瘤的研究进展

子宫肌瘤又称平滑肌瘤或肌瘤,是女性生殖器官最常见的良性肿瘤,由平滑肌和结缔组织组成,常见于30～50岁妇女,发病率约20%。子宫肌瘤的治疗包括保守治疗及手术治疗,其中射频消融（RFA）是一种微创治疗手段,目前已应用于多种疾病,在治疗妇科良性疾病方面的价值也得到了充分的认可。理想的RFA是运用热能以微创的方式、不损伤邻近正常组织的前提下,使靶组织遭受到彻底的破坏。现从作用机制、超声造影技术的临床应用、疗效评价、对生育功能的影响、安全性和有效性、影响因素等方面对RFA治疗子宫肌瘤进行简要概述。     

超声消融治疗子宫肌瘤的安全性及有效性

目的 验证超声消融技术用于子宫肌瘤治疗的安全性、有效性.方法 采用前瞻性、非随机临床研究方法,对重庆医科大学附属第一医院和解放军第三○七医院就诊的99例子宫肌瘤患者(117个肌瘤,肌瘤直径≤10 cm)进行超声消融治疗.仪器为重庆海扶(HIFU)技术有限公司研制的JC型聚焦超声肿瘤治疗系统.治疗在镇静、镇痛下进行,实时超声声像图引导超声消融治疗全过程.治疗后随访期为6个月.治疗后1个月内,行增强磁共振成像(MRI)检查,评价靶肌瘤体积消融率.治疗后3、6个月时,行增强MRI检查,评价靶肌瘤体积缩小率及靶肌瘤体积缩小超过50%的肌瘤占所有肌瘤的百分比.根据子宫肌瘤症状量表(UFS)评价有症状患者的症状评分改善10分者所占比例.依照国际介入放射治疗学会(SIR)标准评价治疗相关的不良反应.结果 (1)有效性:治疗后1个月内,靶肌瘤体积消融率平均为(76±24)%;3、6个月时,靶肌瘤平均体积分别缩小了(45±21)%和(59±26)%,与治疗前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).治疗后6个月时,靶肌瘤体积缩小≥50%共99个肌瘤,占84.6%(99/117);UFS症状评分改善10分者占92%(66/72).(2)安全性:全部患者治疗后2 h均可以正常活动.SIR标准中重要不良反应(SIR C～D级:延长住院时间,需要重要治疗,护理等级增加)及严重不良反应(SIR E～F级:永久性后遗症或死亡)的发生率均为0;一般不良反应(SIR A～B级:观察或简单治疗,无不良后果)的发生率为35%(35/99),SIR B级不良反应包括2例声通道皮肤浅Ⅱ度烧伤和2例发热,需要对症治疗及换药处理.其余包括臀部和(或)下肢酸胀痛、阴道分泌异常、排尿困难或疼痛等,均无需治疗,为SIR A级.结论 超声消融技术用于治疗子宫肌瘤是安全、有效的,可以单独用于子宫肌瘤的治疗.     

子宫肌瘤的血液供应特征对超声消融治疗剂量的影响

目的 探讨子宫肌瘤的血液供应特征对超声消融治疗剂量的影响.方法 2006年12月至2009年1月,对重庆医科大学附属第一医院妇产科就诊的142例患者的168个肌瘤行超声消融治疗.治疗前采用彩色多普勒超声将靶肌瘤血液供应分为0～4级(因有3例患者的3个肌瘤未完成治疗后1个月内的增强MRI评估,故165个肌瘤纳入分析),血液供应为0级的肌瘤9个、1级34个、2级35个、3级55个、4级32个.治疗后1个月内增强MRI检查测量无灌注区的面积并计算肌瘤体积消融率及其能效因子(EEF,即单位体积肌瘤行超声消融治疗所需能量),比较不同血液供应状态对治疗剂量的影响.根据国际介入放射治疗学会(SIR)的标准,评价治疗相关的副反应发生情况并进行治疗过程中的疼痛评分.结果 (1)体积消融率:0～4级血液供应肌瘤体积消融率分别为79%、89%、92%、86%、71%,0级与2、3级血液供应肌瘤的体积消融率比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);4级与1、2、3级血液供应肌瘤的体积消融率比较,差异也有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(2)EEF:0～4级血液供应肌瘤消融所需EEF分别为13.19、9.54、12.91、17.83、28.10 J/mm3,4级血液供应肌瘤消融所需EEF明显高于1、2、3级血液供应肌瘤,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);肌瘤血液供应与消融所需EEF呈正相关关系(r=0.354,P＜0.01).(3)治疗过程中疼痛评分及副反应发生情况:近85%(120/142)的患者对治疗过程可以较好耐受,治疗过程中疼痛评分均为0～4分.全部病例均无延长住院时间等SIR标准中C～F并发症发生.结论 子宫肌瘤超声下的血液供应特征可用于预测超声消融剂量,为临床选择超声消融治疗子宫肌瘤的适宜剂量提供依据.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the relationship between therapeutic dosage of ultrasound ablation in treatment of uterine fibroids and imaging characteristics of bloody supply of uterine fibroids by color Doppler ultrasound imaging. Methods One hundred and forty-two patients with 168 fibroids were treated by ultrasound ablation. Before treatment, bloody supply of fibroids were classified into grade 0 -4 by ultrasonography. Three patients lost follow-up with contrast MRI exam within 1 month after treatment, so 165 fibroids were enrolled in this study. Bloody supplies were 9 fibroids in grade 0, 34 fibroids in grade 1, 35 fibroids in grade 2, 55 fibroids in grade 3 and 32 fibroids in grade 4. After 1 month treatment, the treated area without blood supply and ratio of ablation were measured by contrast MRI to evaluate the efficacy of thermal ablation and compare status of blood supple based different therapeutic dosage. According to International Reditherapy for Society ( SIR ) standard, adverse effect and score of pain were evaluated. Results ( 1) Ratio of ablation based; ratios of ablation were 79% in grade 0, 89% in grade 1, 92% in grade 2, 86% in grade 3, 71% in grade 4. It reached statistical difference when blood supply of grade 0 compared with those of grade 2 and 3 (P ＜ 0. 05 ) and blood supply of grade 4 compared with those of grade 1, 2, 3 ( P ＜ 0. 05). (2) Factor of energy efficiency:factor of energy efficiency were 13.19 J/mm3 in degree 0, 9. 54 J/mm3 in degree 1, 12. 91 J/mm3 in degree 2, 17. 83 J/mm3 in degree 3 and 28. 10 J/mm in degree 4. Factor of energy of ablation in degree 4 was significantly higher than those in degree 1, 2 and 3 blood supply (P ＜ 0. 05). It exhibit the positive relationship between blood supply and factor of energy of ablation ( r = 0. 354 ,P ＜ 0. 01). ( 3 ) Score of pain and adverse effect: nearly 85% ( 120/142 ) patients could tolerate this treatment very well. Those scores of pain were in range of 0 to 4. All patients did not extend their hospitalization and C to F of SIR standard was not recorded. Conclusion blood supply of myoma measured by ultrasound could predict dosage of ultrasound ablation, it could help select indicated well patients.     

Ulipristal acetate therapy increases ultrasound features of adenomyosis: a good treatment given in an erroneous diagnosis of uterine fibroids

Ulipristal acetate (UPA) is used for medical treatment of uterine fibroids. The aim of this study was to describe the effects on painful symptoms and the sonographic uterine modifications in patients with adenomyosis erroneously treated with UPA. This is an observational study on six women affected by adenomyosis and treated with three months of UPA (5?mg/24h). The baseline ultrasonography (US) was not performed at out center nor was the diagnosis of fibroids. The patients came to our attention after the treatment with UPA, prescribed by an external physician. During our post-treatment scan we found aspects of adenomyosis, while no fibroids were detected. Symptoms, myometrial and endometrial ultrasound features were evaluated. All patients reported an increase in pelvic pain. At US evaluation intramyometrial cystic areas were found in all six cases (100%). All patients showed an enhancement of adenomyosis features.The intra-myometrial cysts appeared enlarged and the vascularization enhanced when compared to the images of the pretreatment scan. In patients with adenomyosis treated with UPA due to an erroneous diagnosis of uterine fibroids we observed a worsening of the US features of adenomyosis and of the painful symptoms.     

射频消融治疗子宫肌瘤的临床应用

随着近年来医疗水平的提高及妇科常规体检的普及,子宫肌瘤发病率居高不下。目前子宫肌瘤的治疗有多种方法,其中射频消融是一种临床显著有效的微创治疗手段。其通过破坏肌瘤组织缩小肌瘤体积,同时不伤害其他组织及器官,作为一种简便、安全、有效的治疗方式正逐渐受到临床医生的认可。现从原理、适应证及禁忌证、术中麻醉及手术方法、并发症及其处理、疗效评价、术后病理变化及实用性等方面对射频消融治疗子宫肌瘤作一简要概述。     

Alternatives to hysterectomy: a review

Total hysterectomy is considered as gold standard in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids in women without reproductive wishes. However an increasing number of patients asked for alternatives to hysterectomy. Myomectomy, endometrial ablation, hormonal treatment, uterine artery embolization, and supracervical hysterectomy may be useful in the treatment uterine fibroids in an individual patient.     

Interventional Uterine-Sparing Therapies for Leiomyomas: A Commentary on Myolysis

Uterine leiomyomas (myomas, fibroids) are very common in premenopausal women and frequently are associated with abnormal uterine bleeding, bulk effects, and reproductive issues. In women who wish to retain their uterus and/or to enhance or retain fertility, interventional therapies have been introduced, including radiofrequency, laser (chromo), cryotherapy, and magnetic resonance (MR)–guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) myolysis. In formulating this commentary, all modalities of myolysis from systematic reviews, randomized controlled clinical trials, and observational studies through December 2018 were reviewed. There are only two treatment modalities available in Canada: the laparoscopic radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation of fibroids (RFVTA) and MRgHIFU systems. In women who wish to enhance or retain their fertility, the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency and HIFU myolysis have not been clearly established, and these treatments should be offered only after extensive counselling and informed consent. Given the recent concerns regarding the incidence of undiagnosed malignant tumours, the lack of histological confirmation before or after these therapies for symptomatic fibroids mandates a thorough process of informed patient consent before any such interventions.     

高强度聚焦超声在子宫腺肌病治疗中的应用

子宫腺肌病（AM）是一种常见的子宫良性疾病，严重影响女性生活质量。由于AM常病变界限不清甚至弥漫性分布，从而使其保留子宫的治疗方法常效果有限。高强度聚焦超声（HIFU）为新型的无创治疗技术，目前已较广泛的应用于AM的治疗中。文章将对HIFU在AM中的应用情况进行综述，从而为AM的治疗提供一定的临床参考。     

Pretreatment bowel manipulation during ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy for posterior wall uterine masses

ObjectiveHigh-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy is a noninvasive alternative to conventional abdominal surgery in obstetrics and gynecology. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reduction of pain intensity with bowel manipulation before ultrasound-guided HIFU treatment in women with posterior wall uterine fibroids and/or adenomyosis.Materials and methodsThis is a multicenter retrospective observational study. Data from all patients who underwent HIFU therapy at three HIFU clinics (Sichuan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, and Kuo General Hospital) between January 2019 and December 2019 were analyzed. We compared pain intensity with and without bowel manipulation during the HIFU treatment and evaluated tolerability without intravenous sedation. The presence of discomfort or pain during the HIFU procedure was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS).ResultsA total of 86 women were included in this study. All women underwent HIFU therapy with the PRO-2008 system in the supine position for posterior wall uterine fibroids and/or adenomyosis. Thirty-seven women received pretreatment anal catheterization with a condom and 49 women were not subjected to bowel manipulation. All patients received pretreatment condom-catheter device were well tolerated during the procedure of bowel manipulation. During the HIFU procedure, the women who had received bowel manipulation experienced lower pain intensity, especially less sacrococcygeal pain (VAS score 1.56 ± 1.46 vs 2.89 ± 1.61), target region pain (1.54 ± 1.30 vs 2.53 ± 1.29), and radiating pain (0.13 ± 0.34 vs 0.41 ± 0.54), compared with the women without bowel manipulation.ConclusionBowel manipulation with anal catheterization before HIFU therapy for posterior wall uterine masses can be safely performed and is effective as a low risk intervention to aid in reducing potential HIFU complications related to nerve involvement.     

Clinical outcome of high-intensity focused ultrasound as the preoperative management of cesarean scar pregnancy

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the feasibility and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment as the preoperative management of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).Materials and methods225 patients with definite Type I CSP were treated with suction curettage under hysteroscopic guidance. Among them, 103 patients chose HIFU treatment before hysteroscopy (assign to the HIFU group), and the other 122 patients without any pretreatment before hysteroscopy to the control group. The successful rate, volume of intraoperative blood loss, time for serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level returned to normal, gestational sac disappeared, normal menstrual recovery, and adverse effects were collected and analyzed to compare the two approaches.ResultsThe successful rate (98.06%) in the HIFU group was higher than that (91.80%) in the contrast group. The median ablation time was 39 min and the median HIFU sonication time was 106.6 s. The median volume of intraoperative blood loss in the HIFU group was lower than that in the contrast group (P < 0.001), and the median time of gestational sac disappeared in the HIFU group was shorter than that in the contrast group. There were no statistically significant differences in the time of serum β-hCG returned to normal and days of menstrual recovery between the 2 groups.ConclusionBased on our results, it appears that HIFU ablation is a safe and effective modality as pre-treatment before hysteroscopy in the management of CSP.