Effectiveness of intracavitary monopolar dielectric radiofrequency in women with endometriosis-associated pain: A case series

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2022 Feb:46:101517. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101517. Epub 2021 Nov 24.

Abstract

Background: and Purpose: Endometriosis-associated pain is the main cause of chronic pelvic pain in women. Endometriosis has a significant negative impact across different domains of patients' quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an intracavitary application of monopolar dielectric radiofrequency in women with endometriosis-associated pain.

Patient presentation: Five women with endometriosis received 25 sessions of an intracavitary application of monopolar dielectric radiofrequency within three months. Outcomes, including quality of life, sex interference (Endometriosis Health Profile [EHP]-30 + section C), myofascial pain syndrome (myofascial trigger points), pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), frequency and referral pattern, pressure pain thresholds, allodynia and neuropathic pain (modified DN4), were examined both during and outside menses, after intervention and six months later.

Results: Clinically meaningful improvements were achieved by most participants regarding pelvic pain intensity, abdominal sensitivity, and myofascial pain of the pelvic floor.

Conclusion: This study lays the foundation for future in-depth research, suggesting that monopolar dielectric radiofrequency could be helpful in improving the symptomatology and quality of life of women with endometriosis, also in patients who are unresponsive to medical and/or surgical treatments, or who cannot undergo them in the short term.

Keywords: Endometriosis; Pain; Quality of life; Radiofrequency.

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Pain* / complications
  • Chronic Pain* / therapy
  • Endometriosis* / complications
  • Endometriosis* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pelvic Pain / etiology
  • Pelvic Pain / therapy
  • Quality of Life