Is high-intensity focused ultrasound a magical solution to endometriosis? A systematic review

Mostafa Maged Ali, Hind Awad Elderiny, Mahmoud Shaaban Abdelgalil, Ahmed Mohamed Othman
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center) · 2024 · vol. 37(4) , pp. 625–637 · doi:10.1080/08998280.2024.2352290 · PMID:38910796 · W4399331371
review OA: green CC0 ⤵ 1 in-corpus citation
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-08 ⓘ

This systematic review found high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) effective for abdominal wall and rectosigmoid endometriosis, but noted safety concerns like pain and skin burns requiring careful monitoring.

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Abstract

Background: Endometriosis presents a significant challenge in gynecological endocrinology, affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) and rectosigmoid deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) pose unique clinical complexities. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has emerged as a novel alternative for treating these conditions, offering a noninvasive option with potential therapeutic benefits. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to investigate the safety and efficacy of HIFU therapy for AWE and rectosigmoid DIE. The literature search encompassed databases from inception to January 20, 2024. Eligible studies included observational studies, case reports, and clinical trials evaluating HIFU treatment for endometriosis. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed following established protocols. Results: Fourteen studies were included, comprising 330 patients with AWE and 28 patients with rectosigmoid DIE. HIFU treatment demonstrated significant efficacy, with many patients experiencing complete remission, and clinical effectiveness. Reductions in lesion volume posttreatment were consistent across studies. However, safety concerns were noted, including pain at the treatment site, hematuria, and skin burns. Adverse effects underscored the importance of careful patient selection and monitoring during HIFU therapy. Conclusion: HIFU therapy shows promise as a noninvasive approach for managing AWE and rectosigmoid DIE. While efficacy outcomes are encouraging, safety considerations warrant attention. Further research, particularly randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes, is needed to validate findings and optimize treatment protocols.

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Condition tags

endometriosisdie_deep_infiltrating

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

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