How safe is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound ? An intriguing solution for obstetric and gynecological diseases: A systematic review

Background: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (H.I.F.U) is a non-surgical and non-invasive treatment modality that depends on external ultrasound energy sources which induce focused mass ablation and protein degeneration in the treatment area by thermal energy penetration under the intact skin. We aim in our study to collectively evaluate the safety of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (H.I.F.U) for the treatment of different Obstetric and Gynecological Diseases in the literature.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases search was conducted, without restriction on date or language, from the inception of these databases until 20 January 2024. we also examined references of the included studies in the Mendeley archive for any eligible articles We found a total of 706 studies. After the screening and selection process, 56 were included.
Results: Our systematic review and meta-analysis included 56 studies encompassing 11740 patients. Depending on the Society Of Interventional Radiology (SIR) classification for adverse effects. The results of this meta-analysis for the Type A category which did not need clinical intervention found that pain in the treatment site estimated RR with 95% CI: 0.61[0.33,0.89], Abnormal Vaginal discharge 0.16[0.073, 0.24], Low-grade fever (<38 °C) 0.005[0.002,0.009]. Sensory abnormalities of the lower limbs were examined in 3390 individuals and observed in only 19 patients with gradual relief of symptoms within one month after treatment.
Conclusion: Current evidence shows that H.I.F.U, either alone or in combination with oxytocin or any enhancing agents, is safe for patients with different gynecological and obstetric diseases. In terms of efficacy,