Abnormal uterine bleeding successfully treated via ultrasoundguided microwave ablation of uterine myoma lesions: Three case reports

BACKGROUND Microwave endometrial ablation(MEA)is a minimally invasive treatment method for heavy menstrual bleeding.However,additional treatment is often required after recurrence of uterine myomas treated with MEA.Additionally,because this treatment ablates the endometrium,it is not indicated for patients planning to become pregnant.To overcome these issues,we devised a method for ultrasound-guided microwave ablation of uterine myoma feeder vessels.We report three patients successfully treated for heavy menstrual bleeding,secondary to uterine myoma,using our novel method.CASE SUMMARY All patients had a favorable postoperative course,were discharged within 4 h,and experienced no complications.Further,no postoperative recurrence of heavy menstrual bleeding was noted.Our method also reduced the myoma’s maximum diameter.CONCLUSION This method does not ablate the endometrium,suggesting its potential appli-cation in patients planning to become pregnant.

Acute abdomen caused by spontaneous rupture of degenerative hysteromyoma during pregnancy:A case report

BACKGROUND Hysteromyoma is not a rare tumor among pregnant women.During pregnancy,the symptoms caused by hysteromyoma can be improved through conservative treatment in most cases.However,in order to ensure the safety of mothers and children,surgeries are necessary in some special cases.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of pregnancy complicated with hysteromyoma red degeneration.The patient had peritonitis after sudden abdominal pain during the 20th week of pregnancy.Laparoscopic exploration suggested rupture and bleeding of hysteromyoma,which were improved after drainage and an anti-inflammatory treatment.A cesarean section was performed after full term.This case shows the complications of rupture after red degeneration of hysteromyoma during pregnancy.CONCLUSION We should be alert to rupture of hysteromyoma during pregnancy,and active laparoscopic exploration is essential to improve the prognosis of such patients.

Effectiveness of microwave endometrial ablation combined with hysteroscopic transcervical resection in treating submucous uterine myomas

BACKGROUND Hypermenorrhea is characterized by excessive menstrual bleeding that causes severe anemia and interferes with everyday life.This condition can restrict women’s social activities and decrease their quality of life.Microwave endometrial ablation(MEA)using a 2.45-GHz energy source is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional hysterectomy for treating hypermenorrhea that is resistant to conservative treatment,triggered by systemic disease or medications,or caused by uterine myomas and fibrosis.The popularity of MEA has increased worldwide.Although MEA can safely and effectively treat submucous myomas,some patients may still experience recurrent hypermenorrhea postoperatively and may require additional treatment.AIM To investigate the efficacy of MEA combined with transcervical resection(TCR).METHODS Participants underwent cervical and endometrial evaluations.Magnetic resonance imaging and hysteroscopy were performed to evaluate the size and location of the myomas.TCR was performed before MEA using a hystero-resectoscope.MEA was performed using transabdominal ultrasound.The variables included operation time,number of ablation cycles,length of hospital stay,and visual analog scale cores for hypermenorrhea,dysmenorrhea,and treatment satisfaction at 3 and 6 mo postoperatively.The postoperative incidence of amenorrhea,changes in hemoglobin concentrations,and MEA-related complications were evaluated.RESULTS A total of 34 women underwent a combination of MEA and TCR during the study period.Two patients were excluded from the study as their histopathological tests identified uterine malignancies(uterine sarcoma and endometrial cancer).The 32 eligible women(6 nulliparous,26 multiparous)had a mean age of 45.2±4.3 years(range:36–52 years).Patients reported very severe hypermenorrhea(10/10 points on the visual analog scale)before the procedure.However,after the procedure,the hypermenorrhea scores decreased to 1.2±1.3 and 0.9±1.3 at 3 and 6 mo,respectively(P<0.001).The mean follow-up duration was 33.8±16.8 mo.Although 10 women(31.3%)developed amenorrhea during this period,none experienced a recurrence of hypermenorrhea.No surgical complications were observed.CONCLUSION Reducing the size of uterine myomas by combining MEA and TCR can safely and effectively treat hypermenorrhea in patients with submucous myomas.

Advances in Treatment of Myoma of Uterus

Myoma of uterus has the highest incidence in gynecological tumors.The incidence rate is increasing year by year,which is the main indication for hysterectomy.Non-surgical treatment is often adopted for young patients with fertility requirements.The treatment methods for myoma of uterus are reviewed in this article.

Uterine Reconstruction Due to a Giant Myoma. A Case Report and Literature Review

Giant myomas, defined as those > 9 cm, are uncommon. Due to the difficulties caused by its enormous size, the usual surgical treatment is a simple total hysterectomy. The surgery may be performed by either laparoscopy or laparotomy. However, the case presents a 45-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a giant myoma of 23 cm. The patient is asymptomatic and does not accept the indication of a simple total hysterectomy because of her fear to lose her femininity and a feeling of mutilation and unfulfilled genesic desire. A personalized procedure was performed: myomectomy by laparotomy with subsequent uterine reconstruction. The case is described to focus the interest on giant uterine myomas, taking into account the limited availability of literature on the topic, and to highlight the reconstruction after myomectomy.

HALF-CUTTING METHOD during Hysterectomy for Large Uterine Cervical Myoma

Hysterectomy for large uterine cervical myoma is a challenging surgical procedure due to the limited operative field for lateral and posterior dissections. Existing procedures such as performing myomectomy before hysterectomy or performing retrograde hysterectomy remain suboptimal in expanding the operative field, especially in cases with a huge cervical myoma. In this report, we introduce a new procedure, the “HALF-CUTTING METHOD” which can be used to obtain an adequate surgical field during hysterectomy.

Primary Study on Medical Abortion in Early Pregnant Women with Myoma of Uterus

Objective To study the effectiveness and acceptability of the medical termination of early pregnancy accompanied with myoma Methods A total of 92 early pregnant women with myoma were admitted. Every woman was administrated mifepristone 150 mg in the first two days and Misoprostol 1 000 μg on d 3.Results The complete abortion rate was 89. 13%. The average bleeding duration was 11. 89± 6. 87 d. The expulsion time of gestational cyst was affected by the size of myoma. The bleeding duration and the expulsion time of gestational cyst were affected by the size of myoma and gestational cyst. The location and the number of myoma had no effect on the bleeding duration and the recovery of menses.Conclusion Mifepristone and Misoprostol could be safely and effectively used in the termination of early pregnancy with myoma.

Myomatous erythrocytosis syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Uterine myoma is the most common benign tumor among women and is often accompanied by anemia.Here,we report the case of a patient with a very large leiomyoma but with a hemoglobin level as high as 197 g/L.After undergoing hysterectomy,all her hematological parameters returned to normal.Immunohistochemical staining of her myoma for erythropoietin showed strong positivity,which suggested that erythropoietin may be the cause of her erythrocytosis.A multidisciplinary team played a significant role in treating the disease.CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old woman visited our department complaining that her abdomen had been continuously growing for the past 2 years.After careful examinations,she was suspected of having a very large leiomyoma.She was also diagnosed with erythrocytosis because her RBC count was 6.49×10^(12)/L,hemoglobin was 197 g/L.Following a multidisciplinary team consultation,bilateral ureteral stents were placed,and 800 m L blood was removed by phlebotomy.The patient then underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy.She recovered well from the operation,and her hemoglobin level decreased sharply following the surgery.Low-molecular-weight heparin was administered daily to prevent postoperative thrombosis.She was discharged from the hospital on the fourth postoperative day.Two months later,all her hematological parameters returned to normal.Pathological analysis of the myoma revealed that it was a benign leiomyoma,with partial hyalinization,and strong positivity for erythropoietin in immunohistochemical staining suggested that erythropoietin may be responsible for the erythrocytosis.CONCLUSION Erythropoietin ectopically produced from the myoma was responsible for the erythrocytosis in this patient.A multidisciplinary team is strongly recommended.

Ultrasound Causes of Female Infertility at the Fertilia Medical Clinic in Bamako

Aims: Infertility is a major problem in our current societies and the Fertilia medical clinic in Bamako is a center for medical assistance in procreation (MAP) where there is an increasingly growing demand for ultrasound. The objective of our study was to investigate the ultrasound causes likely to prevent the occurrence of pregnancy in a group of infertile and subfertile women. Subjects and Methods: This was a 5-year cross-sectional and prospective study, between January 2017 and January 2022, which involved 250 women wishing to become pregnant (infertile or subfertile), who came for pelvic ultrasound or follicular monitoring and who agreed to participate in our study. The parameters used were ultrasound reports including uterine, ovarian and tubal pathologies. It should be noted that in some cases no ultrasound cause of infertility was found. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS. Results: 250 women were recruited into our. The average age was 32 years with extremes ranging from 17 to 51 years. 179 patients or 71.6% were between 17 and 35 years old. 139 patients or 55.6% had secondary infertility against 44.4% primary infertility. 202 patients or 80.8% had at least one ultrasound lesion and 48 patients or 19.2% had no significant ultrasound abnormality. The most represented ultrasound lesions were of uterine origin with 72.20%, 23.7% ovarian lesions and 04% tubal lesions. Uterine lesions were dominated by myomas, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, uterine malformations and synechiae. As for ovarian lesions we noted cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian endometriosis, non-follicular ovaries and tubal ultrasound lesions showed unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinx. Conclusion: In our study, ultrasound was an invaluable contribution to the diagnosis of the causes likely to explain subfertility and infertility in our respondents. She highlighted uterine, ovarian and tubal lesions, some of which could be corrected and pregnancies ensued.

腹腔镜下子宫血管阻断术联合子宫肌瘤剔除术对子宫肌瘤复发率的影响

子宫肌瘤（uterine myoma）为发病于女性生殖器官常见良性肿瘤疾病,主要是因未成熟子宫平滑肌细胞增生所致,在临床医学中又被称为子宫纤维瘤、纤维肌瘤[1,2]。子宫肌瘤多发于育龄期女性,可引发不孕、月经不调、痛经等,严重者可发生恶变,对女性患者身心健康造成了极大困扰。外科手术为子宫肌瘤主要治疗措施,传统开腹手术虽可有效切除病灶,但创伤较大,极易损伤卵巢功能,引发卵巢早衰等。随着腔镜技术进步,

Epidemiological-Clinical Aspects of Uterine Leiomyoma at the Reference Health Center of Commune VI of the Bamako District

Introduction: Uterine fibroid is a mixed mesenchymal tumor, developing from smooth muscle cells of the myometrium, separated by connective tissue. The majority of fibroids are asymptomatic and do not require any intervention or other exploratory measures. However, in some cases fibroids are symptomatic, their treatment should aim to improve symptoms and quality of life. Objectives: Describe the epidemiological-clinical aspects of uterine fibroids in the gynecology and obstetrics department of the reference health center of commune VI of the Bamako district. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out over a period of one year. It concerns all patients seen in consultation in the gynecology and obstetrics department of the reference health center of commune VI. Results: during the study period, the uterine fibroid frequency was 1.80%. During this same period, fibroids represented 5.59% of gyneco-obstetric pathologies operated on in the department. The 30 - 45 year old age group was the most represented with a frequency of 75.63%. The average age was 36.87 years ± 6.2 years with extremes of 25 and 63 years. Married women were the most represented 97.48%. The vast majority of our patients 95.8% were not postmenopausal. The multigravidas were the most represented, i.e. 37.50% with a large part of the pauciparous 41.29%. In our patients, 96.64% had a clinical symptom on their fibroid with the main reason for consultation being the sensation of a pelvic mass in 97.48%. We recorded three cases of infertility as associated factors. Ultrasound was performed in all patients. The location of the myxomatous nuclei was subserosal in the majority in 42.86% and with multiple nodules in 84.85% of cases. The main indication for myomectomy was the failure of medical treatment in 86.49% of cases. Surgical treatment was mainly a myomectomy 93.30%, a hysterectomy was indicated in 6.70%. No cases of death were recorded. Conclusion: Uterine fibroid is a gynecological pathology that exists in our department;its frequency is estimated at 5.59%. For better management of fibroids, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of the factors favoring the occurrence of uterine fibroids, their growth and the symptoms to prevent the appearance of it or even at best to operate. This prevention must be a concern for public health because fibromatous pathology is frequent, costly and hampers quality of life.

黏膜下子宫肌瘤对妊娠影响的临床分析

子宫肌瘤是妇科最常见的良性肿瘤,子宫肌瘤合并妊娠占肌瘤患者的0.5%-1%,占妊娠者的0.3%-0.5%,黏膜下子宫肌瘤占肌瘤总数10%-15%。宫腔镜下子宫肌瘤电切术（transcervical resection of myoma,TCRM）是目前解决黏膜下肌瘤的较为理想的方法。本研究就黏膜下子宫肌瘤行TCRM术后对妊娠的影响进行临床分析。

Laparoscopic hysterectomy as optimal approach for 5400 grams uterus with associated polycythemia: A case report

BACKGROUND Uterine myomas are the most common benign gynecological soft tissue tumors in women but polycythemia associated with these tumors is rare.Polycythemia is significantly associated with risk of venous thromboembolism(VTE),which is further increased in case of a large pelvic mass and obesity.Here we report the surgical challenges in the case of an obese patient with a giant fibromatous uterus and associated polycythemia.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old obese woman was referred to our department for treatment for a huge fibromatous uterus.She suffered of pelvic pressure and abdominal distension and reported severe dyspnea from several months.Laboratory analyses including hemoglobin(Hb)19.2 g/dL and hematocrit(Hct)59.7%were indicative of polycythemia.Arterial blood gas analysis showed arterial oxygen pressure(pO2)of 81.5 mmHg.Abdominal computed tomography confirmed a giant fibromatous uterus measuring 28.2 cm×17 cm×25 cm.To reduce the thromboembolic risk,the patient underwent low molecular weight heparin,phlebotomy twice before surgery,and we opted for a laparoscopic hysterectomy.The uterus weighed 5400 g and the histology confirmed a diagnosis of leiomyoma.We did not find increased erythropoietin levels in the supernatant of the myomatous uterine tissue.There were no complications.On postoperative day 1,the Hb and the Hct levels normalized to 13.3 g/dL and 41.7%,respectively.Arterial blood gas analysis after surgery showed a pO2 of 144.7 mmHg.These results suggested the diagnosis of myomatous erythrocytosis syndrome.The patient was discharged on the second postoperative day in very good condition with no symptoms.CONCLUSION We believe this is the first reported laparoscopic hysterectomy in a patient with a giant uterus,polycythemia and obesity.Multiple VTE risk factors warranted a laparoscopic approach.

Novel technique of extracorporeal intrauterine morcellation after total laparoscopic hysterectomy: Three emblematic case reports

BACKGROUND In the presence of a large uterus,total laparoscopic hysterectomy(TLH),always requires morcellation to allow removal of the tissues from the abdominal cavity.However,uncontained morcellation has been scrutinized because of the possible spread of occult leiomyosarcoma.Therefore,in-bag extracorporeal morcellation has been developed.However,tissue containment and extraction are extremely challenging,especially when considering the increasing uterine size to be removed through minimally invasive surgery.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we describe a novel technique for extracorporeal intrauterine morcellation using the uterus outermost layer as a bag to achieve tissue extraction of very large uteri with suspected occult leiomyosarcoma after TLH.The study enrolled patients who were planned for TLH for large uteri(weight>500 g).TLH was performed following the procedure reported in our previous studies.The novel technique has been described step-by-step in a video,which representatively describes the preoperative imaging and morcellation procedure of three very large uteri weighing 1500 g,1700 g,and 3700 g,respectively.The procedures were performed without any complications.The patients had an uneventful postoperative course,and in all cases,the pathology was benign leiomyoma.CONCLUSION Extracorporeal intrauterine morcellation using the uterus outmost layer as a bag was found to be a feasible technique that allows a careful diagnosis and safe removal of suspected occult malignancies.The technique herein presented may be adopted in surgical practice,by adding it to the other available techniques of contained morcellation.It may represent a valid and feasible alternative,especially useful in cases of very large uteri exceeding the capacity of specimen retrieval bags.

Unavoidable myomectomy during cesarean section: a case report

Since myomectomy throughout cesarean deliv- ery may lead to hemorrhage and uterinal atony, it is not recommended. But, myomectomy has been reported during cesarean section in recent studies. We presented a patient with large in- tramural myoma who was diagnosed at 34 weeks of pregnancy and operated with an unavoidable cesarean-combined myomectomy. A 33-year-old unpursued primigravida was referred to emer- gency department with abdominal pain and amenorrhea of 34 weeks duration. A sonographic diagnosis of myoma in pregnancy was made. Cesarean section was required for fetal distress and alive 2300 g weighted male infant with Ap- gar score of 6 at one minute, was born. As uterine incision could not be closed because of the myoma, myomectomy was performed dur- ing cesarean section unavoidably. A single 970 g and 15 × 18 cm sized myoma was removed. The physical examinations were unremarkable in the postoperative period. Although there are case series that have demonstrated the safety of myomectomy during cesarean section, we con-cluded that myomectomy during cesarean section is not a safe procedure accept inevitable situa-tions.

Importance of abdominal X-ray to confirm the position of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system:A case report

BACKGROUND Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems(LNG-IUSs)gradually release levonorgestrel into the uterus and is effective against hypermenorrhoea and dysmenorrhea.Complications associated with the insertion include expulsion,displacement,and uterine perforation.Ultrasonic identification of copper intrauterine devices(IUDs)is possible due to echogenicity from the copper coils.However,the barium sulfate coatings of LNG-IUSs do not always provide hyperechoic images.Both barium sulfate and copper are radiopaque and clearly identifiable on X-ray.Thus,X-ray imaging is required to locate LNG-IUSs.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old woman with hypermenorrhoea due to submucosal myomas was treated with LNG-IUS at another hospital.Three LNG-IUS insertions had apparently been followed by spontaneous expulsion,although objective confirmation using imaging was not performed.The patient was referred to our institution for surgery.At the first visit,there appeared to be no device in the uterus,and none was observed on transvaginal ultrasound.However,two LNGIUSs were observed in the pelvis on abdominal plain X-rays prior to surgery.Hysteroscopic myomectomy was performed,and the two LNG-IUSs were found to have perforated the myometrium.The devices were safely removed during surgery,and the submucosal myomas were also removed.The perforated section of the myometrium was minimal+ADs-therefore,a repair operation was not required.CONCLUSION Plain abdominal X-rays facilitate the determination of whether an LNG-IUS is in the uterine cavity.Therefore,it is important to confirm a device’s location,regardless of whether spontaneous expulsion is suspected,prior to inserting another device.

Contribution of the Tourniquet in the Prevention of Haemorrhages during Myomectomies at the University Hospital of Brazzaville

Objective: To check the effectiveness of tourniquet in the prevention of haemorrhage during myomectomies at the University Hospital of Brazzaville. Patients and methods: Analytical cross-sectional study, conducted at the University Hospital of Brazzaville from June 1, 2014 to June 30, 2016. Recruitment was performed by randomly matching each case of myomectomy performed using a tourniquet with two cases of myomectomy without tourniquet (50 cases vs 100 witnesses). We used as a tourniquet, the surgical glove knotted and tightened sufficiently at the level of the isthmus of the uterus to temporarily occlude the uterine arteries to ensure haemostasis lasting no more than one hour. Results: The mean age of the patients was similar in both groups (36, 1 ± 2.2 years vs 36.2 ± 1.9 years, P > 0.05). Menorrhagia was the most common indication of myomectomy in both groups (76% vs. 78% P > 0.05). The mean haemoglobin level of the patients before the myomectomies was 9.03 ± 1.10 g/dl vs 9, 75 ± 1.29 g/dl;P > 0.05. Intraoperative uterine features were similar in size (18 weeks gestation, 14 - 24) and number of myomas (5 vs 4, P > 0.05) in both groups. Polymyomectomy was more common in both groups (76% vs 73%, P > 0.05). Blood loss was reduced in the tourniquet group (90.5 ± 4.6 ml vs 200.4 ± 5.6 ml;P 0.05), as well as the use of blood transfusion (8% vs 50%, P 0.05). Use of the number of sutures was reduced in the group with tourniquet (3 ± 0.2 vs 6 ± 0.2 P 0.05). The duration of the procedure was shorter in the group with tourniquet (51.5 ± 4 min vs 83 ± 7 min, P 0.05). Postoperative mean haemoglobin of patients was no different between the two groups (9.4 ± 0.7 g/dl vs 9.2 ± 0.5, P > 0.05). The overall cost of management was reduced in the group with tourniquet (190,680 ± 1450 F CFA vs 256,800 ± 2350 FCFA;P 0.05). Conclusion: The use of tourniquet during myomectomies significantly reduces blood loss and the use of blood transfusion. We also obtain the notorious reduction in the use of sutures, the duration of interventions, and the overall cost of care. Thus, we encourage the systematic use of tourniquet during myomectomies by laparotomy.

African Woman Sexuality: Assessment after Hysterectomy for Uterine Benign Disorders Based on Two Scales;PISQ 12/DFSI

Background: Several authors are studying sexual activity of hysterectomies women. However, the review of literature reveals few data in sub-Saharan Africa on the psychological and sexual impact of this treatment option. Objective: To assess sexual activity and sexual satisfaction of women after hysterectomy for benign disorders. Methods: Single center analytical study based on patient opinion. It was conducted in a five-year period: from January 2012 to December 2016 at the Yopougon teaching Hospital. Results: Hysterectomy accounted for 15.9% of gynecological surgical activities. Hysterectomy for benign pathology accounted for 3.3% of hysterectomies. The average age was 47.6 years old. The indications were dominated by uterine fibroid (88.68%). Hysterectomy was performed by the abdominal route in 86.79% of cases. Sexual activity was resumed in the second trimester post-operative in 69.81%. After hysterectomy, dyspareunia was reduced (p 0.05), orgasm was more intense (p 0.05) with a greater sexual satisfaction (p 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that there is no significant difference for women’s sexuality before and after hysterectomy.

Management of an Unusual Complication of Uterine Fibroids in the Gynecological Department of the University and Hospital Center of Treichville (Cote D’ivoire): About 2 Cases of Non-Puerperal Uterine Inversion

Uterine inversion is rare. It is classically described as a complication of the delivery period. Non-puerperal uterine inversion is exceptional and usually results from a tumor implanted on fundus of the uterus. We report two cases of non-puerperal uterine inversion caused by fundal submucosal myoma. Its diagnosis can be difficult and a high index of clinical suspicion is required to make a prompt diagnosis. The delayed diagnosis observed in our cases, caused uterine necrosis, which was managed by hysterectomy. The patients’ post-operative course was uneventful.

Gene Expression Analysis of Extracellular Matrix and Cytokines after Uterine Artery Embolization

Arterial embolization of myomas (AEM) is an established option for the conservative treatment of uterine leio-myomas;it treats all present uterine nodules at once, is less invasive than other procedures and effective in controlling symptoms, and does not require long term hospitalizations. Nevertheless, the potential impact on endometrial morphological and functional outcomes after the procedure is still controversial based on reports of endometritis or eventual transient ischemia. This study evaluated endometrial reorganization in uterine leiomyoma patients, before and after AEM, through gene expression analyses of extracellular matrix and cytokines genes in theendometrial tissue. Eight patients with leiomyomas were evaluated before AEM and 6 months after. The examinations included transvaginal pelvic ultrasonography, dosing of the follicle-stimulating hormone, and endometrial biopsy during the second phase of the menstrual cycle. RNA was extracted from endometrial samples, cDNA was synthesized, and applied on PCR arrayTM plates to evaluate the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and cytokines and their receptors’ genes (CYT). The ECM overexpressed genes were MMP (1, 3, 10, 11, and 14), CTGF1, ICAM1, TBHS1, ITGA2, ITGA3, ITGB3, COL7A1, COL12A, SPP1, and TNC;ADAMTS8 was underexpressed. The CYT overexpressed genes were SPP1, BCL6, CXCL12, IL-8, and CEBPB;CXCL13 and CCL21 were underexpressed. The ECM results showed overexpression of proteases that are responsible for dysfunctions in the ECM, and of genes responsible for adhesion and membrane components. The CYT results showed overexpression of chemokines responsible for endometrial repair, and underexpression of cytokines involved in inflammatory processes in the endometrial tissue. AEM treatment did not negatively affect the endometrial function at 6 months after embolization. This study broadens the knowledge about using a procedure that is relevant to the treatment of leiomyomas and contributes to the establishment of future guidelines for the decision making process for physicians and patients.