Outcome of unintended pregnancy after ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of uterine fibroids

Objective: To evaluate the safety of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation of uterine fibroids among women with unintentional pregnancy within 1 year of therapy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 435 women who underwent USgHIFU therapy at Chongqing Medical University, China, between October 1, 2006, and October 1, 2009. Results: Unplanned pregnancy was reported by 24 women within 1 year of USgHIFU ablation; 8 of these women had desired pregnancy before undergoing treatment. A total of 27 fibroids were detected, 24 of which were treated (mean volume 65.9 +/- 58.8 cm(3)). Pregnancy was continued by 7 women without any complications. One pregnant woman who had desired pregnancy before therapy underwent an induced abortion owing to concerns about the effects of USgHIFU on the fetus. Fourteen women without pregnancy intention before USgHIFU therapy chose to undergo induced abortion; 2 women experienced spontaneous abortion. No adhesion occurred after USgHIFU therapy. Furthermore, USgHIFU, labor, and abortion had no effect on subsequent menstruation or sexual activities. Conclusion: Pregnancy within 1 year after USgHIFU ablation of uterine fibroids appears safe; however, large scale studies are required to confirm these data. (C) 2012 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.