Neue diagnostische und therapeutische Optionen bei Patientinnen mit Myomen - Hochintensiver fokussierter Ultraschall

Background: Symptomatic uterine fibroids are a frequently encountered, important cause of morbidity in women in their reproductive period. Due to only limited conservative therapeutic approaches surgical intervention - including hysterectomy - has played a major part to control and treat uterine fibroids. The use of high-intensive focused ultrasound ("HIFU") displays a non-invasive alternative in the treatment of fibroid. Methods: Indications, requirements, side-effects, outcome as well as the procedure itself are presented in this review, with a special focus laid on fertility aspects. Results: More than 8.000 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids have been treated with HIFU worldwide so far. This therapeutic option is efficacious and well tolerated by the patients. Current data suggests that pre- and perinatal complications are less frequently seen in pregnant women after having undergone a HIFU treatment compared to fibroid embolisation. Conclusion: The application of high-intensive focused ultrasound can be regarded as an effective, well tolerated, non-invasive therapeutic option in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.