Percutaneous cryoablation of abdominal wall endometriosis: An analysis of 38 patients

Imaging in France: 2024 Update

Radiology in France has made major advances in recent years through innovations in research and clinical practice. French institutions have developed innovative imaging techniques and artificial intelligence applications in the field of diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology. These include, but are not limited to, a more precise diagnosis of cancer and other diseases, research in dual-energy and photon-counting computed tomography, new applications of artificial intelligence, and advanced treatments in the field of interventional radiology. This article aims to explore the major research initiatives and technological advances that are shaping the landscape of radiology in France. By highlighting key contributions in diagnostic imaging, artificial intelligence, and interventional radiology, we provide a comprehensive overview of how these innovations are improving patient outcomes, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and expanding the possibilities for minimally invasive therapies. As the field continues to evolve, France's position at the forefront of radiological research ensures that these innovations will play a central role in addressing current healthcare challenges and improving patient care on a global scale.

Percutaneous Image-Guided Cryoablation of Endometriosis Scars in Unusual Anatomic Locations

PURPOSE

To report the pain relief and procedure-related outcomes of percutaneous cryoablation (CA) of painful endometriosis deposits in unusual anatomic locations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective search of institutional radiological information system identified a total of 15 patients (median age 35.5 years; interquartile ranges-IQR 33-38). Patients and lesions specific data as well as procedural and follow-up information were collected, analyzed, and presented using descriptive statistical methods.

RESULTS

A total of 16 painful target lesions situated in the umbilicus (7/16; 43.8%), diaphragm (4/16; 25.0%), inguinal canal (3/16; 18.8%), and within the muscular layers of the uterus (i.e., adenomyosis; 2/16; 12.4%) underwent CA. The median of the largest diameter of the target lesions was 19 mm (IQR 13-22.3). Primary and secondary rates of complete pain relief were achieved in 86.7% (13/15 patients) and 93.3% (14/15 patients; one patient receiving additional CA for recurring pain) of patients, respectively. Each lesion underwent one single intervention, thus accounting for a total of 16 CA procedures. Eleven interventions were carried out under general anesthesia (11/16; 68.8%), with combination of ultrasound and cross-sectional imaging (CT or MRI) being the most used modality for image guidance (10/16; 62.5%). Nearly all interventions (15/16; 93.8%) required adjunctive protective measures with hydrodissection (13/16; 81.3%) and combination of hydrodissection and cutaneous protection with warm saline filled gloves (9/16; 56.3%) being the two most common protective measures. Two (2/16; 12.5%) complications were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous CA of painful endometriosis deposits in unusual anatomic locations seems highly effective and safe.

Percutaneous cryoablation therapy for abdominal wall endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) consists of endometrial tissue between the peritoneum and the abdominal wall. The established treatment involves amenorrheic drugs-not always successful and tolerated-or invasive surgery. In this scenario, minimally invasive techniques such as cryoablation are a potential option. In this study, we primarily aimed to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation in reducing pain scores of AWE patients and analyze their satisfaction with the procedure and its related adverse events.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane's databases were systematically searched for studies that employed percutaneous cryoablation therapy for AWE and reported any of the outcomes of interest. The primary outcome was the reduction in the visual analog scale (VAS) score after treatment. R Software was used for the statistical analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. The Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies-of Interventions framework assessed potential bias in each selected study.

RESULTS

We included 4 studies, containing 126 patients. All articles were retrospective studies. The difference between the VAS scores before and after treatment was on average 5.97 points (95% CI 5.42-6.52; P <.01; I2 = 0%). The pooled satisfaction rate among patients in the selected studies was 93.1% (95% CI 88.66-97.34; P = .51; I2 = 0%). The pooled prevalence of adverse events was only 5.48% (95% CI 1.71-11.20; P = .58; I2 = 0%). Bias analysis showed an overall moderate risk in all included articles.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that cryoablation could reduce pain complaints in patients, while presenting a low incidence rate of adverse effects. Randomized clinical trials with a larger number of patients are necessary for greater conclusions.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

(1) AWE affects about 3.5% of women. The standard treatment is invasive surgery. (2) This meta-analysis demonstrated that cryoablation can effectively reduce pain scores while presenting a low rate of adverse effects. (3) Cryoablation is a feasible treatment for AWE, furthermore allowing shorter hospital stays and few complications for the patients.