Why treat adenomyosis with thermoablation
Reading Time: 2 minutesIntroduction
Adenomyosis is a common gynecological disorder defined by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. It is associated with uterine enlargement, severe dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Traditionally, hysterectomy has been considered the definitive treatment for symptomatic adenomyosis, but this option is not acceptable for women wishing to preserve fertility. Hormonal therapies can provide temporary relief but are often limited by side effects and recurrence of symptoms. Thermoablation has recently emerged as a minimally invasive alternative with encouraging clinical outcomes.
Advantages of thermoablation
Thermoablation, delivered via radiofrequency, microwave, or focused ultrasound, produces localized coagulative necrosis within adenomyotic lesions. The procedure is minimally invasive, can be performed in an outpatient setting, and allows rapid recovery. Compared to pharmacologic therapies, thermoablation provides longer-lasting symptom control with fewer systemic adverse effects. Its safety profile is favorable, with low complication rates and reduced perioperative morbidity
Uterus preservation and fertility
Uterine-sparing treatment is particularly important in women of reproductive age. Several clinical studies have reported successful pregnancies and deliveries following thermal ablation for adenomyosis. While the data remain limited, these findings suggest that thermoablation not only controls symptoms but also maintains reproductive potential, positioning it as an important alternative to hysterectomy in women with childbearing aspirations.
Clinical efficacy and novel insights
Thermoablation is a promising minimally invasive treatment for adenomyosis, offering durable symptom relief, preservation of fertility, and rapid recovery. The possibility of immediate volume reduction and combined therapeutic strategies enhances its clinical value. Future randomized studies are needed to establish long-term reproductive outcomes and refine patient selection criteria.
Conclusions
Thermoablation represents one of the most promising treatment options for adenomyosis, capable of reducing symptoms, improving quality of life and preserving fertility. The possibility of an immediate effect on volumetric reduction and an integrated multimodal approach further broadens treatment prospects. Larger randomised trials will be needed to consolidate these results and better define the effects on long-term reproductive outcomes.
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