Effects of oxytocin on high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of adenomysis: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of oxytocin on high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation for the treatment of adenomyosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six patients with adenomyosis from three hospitals were randomly assigned to the oxytocin group or control group for HIFU treatment. During HIFU treatment, 80 units of oxytocin was added in 500ml of 0.9% normal saline running at the rate of 2ml/min (0.32U/min) in the oxytocin group, while 0.9% normal saline was used in the control group. Both patients and HIFU operators were blinded to oxytocin or saline application. Treatment results, adverse effects were compared. RESULTS: When using oxytocin, the non-perfused volume (NPV) ratio was 80.7±11.6%, the energy-efficiency factor (EEF) was 8.1±9.9J/mm(3), and the sonication time required to ablate 1cm(3) was 30.0±36.0s/cm(3). When not using oxytocin, the non-perfused volume ratio was 70.8±16.7%, the EEF was 15.8±19.6J/mm(3), and the sonication time required to ablate 1cm(3) was 58.2±72.7S/cm(3). Significant difference in the NPV ratio, EEF, and the sonication time required to ablate 1cm(3) between the two groups was observed. No oxytocin related adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSION: Oxytocin could significantly decrease the energy for ablating adenomyosis with HIFU, safely enhance the treatment efficiency.