Laparoscopic cryomyolysis - An alternative to myomectomy in women with symptomatic fibroids

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether cryomyolysis may present an alternative valid surgical procedure to hysterectomy or myomectomy for selected women with symptomatic fibroids who wish to preserve their uterus but do not desire future pregnancies. Methods: Sixty-three women with symptomatic fibroids who refused either myomectomy or hysterectomy, requesting a conservative surgery for myomata, underwent laparoscopic cryomyolysis using a 3- to 5-mm or 8-mm cryoprobe (CRYOcare system). Results: Our study showed a mean (standard deviation) decrease of myoma volume of 60.3% (+/-20.7) and complete symptom relief in 83.6% (p < 0.001) of patients after a 12-month follow-up from cryomyolysis. No significant intra- or postoperative complications were noted. Conclusion: Cryomyolysis is an effective laparoscopic procedure for obtaining myoma shrinkage and symptom relief in women with symptomatic fibroids who desire to preserve their uterus.