High-intensity focused ultrasound: opportunities and prospects in the treatment of uterine fibroid and deep infiltrative endometriosis

Abstract

This literature review is devoted to the use of focused ultrasound in gynecological practice as an alternative to the traditional surgical treatment of uterine fibroids and deep infiltrating endometriosis. According to available data, the effectiveness of the treatment of uterine fibroids with focused ultrasound varies widely, ranging from 16.4% to 93.0%. Due to the lack of prospective studies, it is not possible to draw reliable conclusions about the effect of ablation of uterine fibroid with focused ultrasound on fertility. However, unplanned pregnancies after such treatment occurred up to 19.5%, and in 66.3% of cases, pregnancies ended with the childbirth. Research results demonstrate that in 87% of cases, treatment of retrocervical infiltrative endometriosis using focused ultrasound is feasible. Further data accumulation is required to determine the range of patients with uterine fibroids and deep infiltrating endometriosis, to whom the treating technique could be most effective and safe.