Ultrasound guided core needle biopsy prior to thermo ablative treatment of uterine tumors: first results

Purpose

This study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic yield for core needle biopsies of uterine fibroids before laparoscopic radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation (RFVTA) with the aim of sonographic imaging. This study was in the context of a randomized, prospective, single-center, longitudinal comparative study in which RFVTA and laparoscopic myomectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids were compared.

Methods

All patients of the RFVTA-arm received a core needle biopsy under the guidance of an intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound system. The Tissue samples were observed histologically.

Results

24 patients were included and received in the median 3.17 biopsies (range 2–7). 45.8% of the fibroids were intramural. In 92% uterine leiomyoma was detected, in 4% a cell rich leiomyoma and in 4% a smooth muscle tumor with uncertain malignant potential (STUMP). There were no complications caused by core needle biopsy.

Conclusions

Ultrasound guided core needle biopsy can be used to receive a histological result before treating uterine fibroids with thermo surgical methods like RFVTA.