International Journal of Hyperthermia · Available online 7 Jul 2026 · In press · DOI 10.1080/02656736.2026.2670494
Junshu Li, Yong Wang, Chengqiu Qi, Changqing Pan, Jinyun Chen
Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation for uterine fibroids in patients with abdominal wall scars on the acoustic pathway.Methods A total of 608 patients were included in the retrospective analysis. Preoperative and postoperative pelvic MRI data, treatment data, and follow-up information were collected. Patients were divided into scar group (213 cases: 172 transverse and 41 longitudinal abdominal wall scars) and non-scar group (395 cases). Treatment efficacy, adverse events, and complications were compared between groups.Results The median fibroid ablation rates were similar in the scar and non-scar groups: 87.81% (IQR 78.20–98.80%) and 87.67% (IQR 75.18–96.75%), respectively (p = 0.403). The incidence of skin-burning sensation during operation in the scar group was significantly higher than that in the non-scar group [15.96% (34/213) vs 8.35% (33/395), p = 0.004]. Postoperative abdominal wall MRT2WI signal changes occurred in 22.37% (136/608) of cases, mainly in the subcutaneous fat layer (50%, 68/136), appearing as patchy mixed high signal on MRT2WI. These changes were higher in the scar group than in the non-scar group [28.17% (60/213) vs 19.24% (76/395), p = 0.012]. However, these abnormalities resolved spontaneously without intervention. No serious adverse events or complications occurred in either group during or after treatment.Conclusion Abdominal wall surgical scars on the acoustic pathway do not significantly affect the safety and efficacy of USgHIFU for uterine fibroids.
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Li, J., Wang, Y., Qi, C., et al. (2026). Efficacy and safety of ultrasound ablation for uterine fibroids in patients with abdominal surgical scars on the acoustic pathway. International Journal of Hyperthermia. https://doi.org/10.1080/02656736.2026.2670494