Uterine fibroids, the most prevalent benign tumors of the uterus, often need gynecologic surgery due to their impact on women's quality of life. These growths can cause symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure, and reproductive challenges. For some, surgical intervention is necessary, especially if malignancy is suspected. However, advancements in minimally invasive techniques have ushered in opportunities to reduce surgical morbidity, enhance cosmetic outcomes, and decrease recovery times. While traditional laparoscopy is considered the standard, technological progress introduces techniques such as single-port surgery, robotic-assisted procedures, and vNOTES (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery), broadening the treatment possibilities. The introduction of endobags has expanded laparoscopic myomectomy's potential, though debates continue regarding their safety and efficacy, particularly in case of unexpected malignancy.
Beyond laparoscopy, the landscape of fibroid management includes non-invasive or less-invasive methods such as hysteroscopic resection for submucosal fibroids and image-guided techniques like radiofrequency ablation and magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound. Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation and uterine artery embolization are also viable alternatives. Despite these advancements, comparative studies and robust evidence to guide management strategies remain scarce.
This Research Topic aims to compile and disseminate the latest evidence from leading experts, seeking to improve personalized care while reducing surgical invasiveness and optimizing clinical outcomes. With an emphasis on tailored decision-making, this Research Topic encourages exploring treatment based on factors such as age, reproductive goals, fibroid characteristics, and individual risk profiles.
To gather further insights into minimally invasive fibroid management, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Comparative outcomes of minimally invasive versus traditional approaches;
o Patient-centered decision-making models;
o Emerging technologies in fibroid treatment;
o Real-world applications of new surgical techniques;
o Innovations in treatment algorithms.
This Research Topic encourages contributions in the form of, but not limited to, original research, comparative studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
Keywords: Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery; Laparoscopic myomectomy; Robotic-assisted myomectomy; Hysteroscopic myomectomy; Uterine fibroids
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
