Myolysis

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Myolysis is the destruction or otherwise breakdown of muscle tissue. [1] It is used as a medical procedure in the treatment of fibroids, [2] particularly of the uterus. [3]

Contents

Medical usage

Myolysis involves the application of some energy source directed at the fibroids, intended to stop blood flow and cause necrosis of the tumorous tissue while not damaging the surrounding tissue. Some of the methods used to achieve myolysis include application of heat (laser myolysis, myoma coagulation), cold (cryomyolysis), and focused ultrasound energy. The procedures involving the application of extreme heat or cold are typically performed laparoscopically. [3] [2]

Myolysis may result in pregnancy complications, such as uterine scarring, a weak uterine wall, or infection. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or who may wish to become pregnant. [3] [4]

Laparoscopic myolysis

In laparoscopic myolysis, a small needle is inserted near the fibroid, and the tip of the needle is either heated or cooled to extreme temperatures, then applied to the fibroid until all the tumorous tissue has been treated. [4] One example of this is laser myolysis, in which a laser is used entirely remove the fibroid, or otherwise clot the blood flow to the fibroid, causing it to die. [3] Another example is cryomyolysis, where a cryogenic gas (typically liquid nitrogen) is used to cool the tip of the needle, which freezes the fibroid. [3] [5]

Myoma coagulation is another method for myolysis, in which an electric current is passed through a needle and into the fibroid, subjecting it to high temperatures. [6] [3]

See also

Related Research Articles

Cauterization is a medical practice or technique of burning a part of a body to remove or close off a part of it. It destroys some tissue in an attempt to mitigate bleeding and damage, remove an undesired growth, or minimize other potential medical harm, such as infections when antibiotics are unavailable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hysterectomy</span> Surgical removal of the uterus

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix. Supracervical hysterectomy refers to removal of the uterus while the cervix is spared. These procedures may also involve removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy), fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), and other surrounding structures. The term “partial” or “total” hysterectomy are lay-terms that incorrectly describe the addition or omission of oophorectomy at the time of hysterectomy. These procedures are usually performed by a gynecologist. Removal of the uterus renders the patient unable to bear children and has surgical risks as well as long-term effects, so the surgery is normally recommended only when other treatment options are not available or have failed. It is the second most commonly performed gynecological surgical procedure, after cesarean section, in the United States. Nearly 68 percent were performed for conditions such as endometriosis, irregular bleeding, and uterine fibroids. It is expected that the frequency of hysterectomies for non-malignant indications will continue to fall given the development of alternative treatment options.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ablation</span> Removal of material from an objects surface

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adenomyosis</span> Extension of endometrial tissue into the myometrium

Adenomyosis is a medical condition characterized by the growth of cells that proliferate on the inside of the uterus (endometrium) atypically located among the cells of the uterine wall (myometrium), as a result, thickening of the uterus occurs. As well as being misplaced in patients with this condition, endometrial tissue is completely functional. The tissue thickens, sheds and bleeds during every menstrual cycle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hysteroscopy</span> Medical procedure

Hysteroscopy is the inspection of the uterine cavity by endoscopy with access through the cervix. It allows for the diagnosis of intrauterine pathology and serves as a method for surgical intervention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uterine fibroid</span> Medical condition with benign tumors of uterus

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas or fibroids, are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. Most women with fibroids have no symptoms while others may have painful or heavy periods. If large enough, they may push on the bladder, causing a frequent need to urinate. They may also cause pain during penetrative sex or lower back pain. A woman can have one uterine fibroid or many. Occasionally, fibroids may make it difficult to become pregnant, although this is uncommon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uterine myomectomy</span> Surgical removal of uterine fibroid

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uterine artery embolization</span>

Uterine artery embolization is a procedure in which an interventional radiologist uses a catheter to deliver small particles that block the blood supply to the uterine body. The procedure is primarily done for the treatment of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. Since uterine fibroids are the most common indication, it is also often referred to as uterine fibroid embolization. Compared to surgical treatment for fibroids such as a hysterectomy, in which a woman's uterus is removed, uterine artery embolization may be beneficial in women who wish to retain their uterus. Other reasons for uterine artery embolization are postpartum hemorrhage and uterine arteriovenous malformations.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Endometrial ablation</span> Medical procedure

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cryoablation</span> Process using extreme cold to destroy tissue

Cryoablation is a process that uses extreme cold to destroy tissue. Cryoablation is performed using hollow needles (cryoprobes) through which cooled, thermally conductive, fluids are circulated. Cryoprobes are positioned adjacent to the target in such a way that the freezing process will destroy the diseased tissue. Once the probes are in place, the attached cryogenic freezing unit removes heat from ("cools") the tip of the probe and by extension from the surrounding tissues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Submucosa</span> Thin layer of tissue in various organs

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References

  1. "myolysis". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  2. 1 2 "Fibroid Myolysis". Fibroid Specialists of University Vascular. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Uterine Fibroids". New York State Department of Health. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  4. 1 2 "Uterine fibroids". Brigham and Women's Hospital. Harvard Medical School. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  5. Goldfarb, Herbert A. (2008). "Myolysis Revisited". Journal of the Society of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons. 12 (4): 426–430. PMID   19275864 . Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  6. "Uterine fibroids". U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved 2 April 2024.