Myolysis

Myolysis is the destruction or otherwise breakdown of muscle tissue. It is used as a medical procedure in the treatment of fibroids, particularly of the uterus.

Medical usage
Myolysis involves the application of some energy source directed at the fibroids, intended to stop blood flow and cause necrosis of the tumorous tissue while not damaging the surrounding tissue. Some of the methods used to achieve myolysis include application of heat (laser myolysis, myoma coagulation), cold (cryomyolysis), and focused ultrasound energy. The procedures involving the application of extreme heat or cold are typically performed laparoscopically.

Myolysis may result in pregnancy complications, such as uterine scarring, a weak uterine wall, or infection. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or who may wish to become pregnant.

Laparoscopic myolysis
In laparoscopic myolysis, a small needle is inserted near the fibroid, and the tip of the needle is either heated or cooled to extreme temperatures, then applied to the fibroid until all the tumorous tissue has been treated. One example of this is laser myolysis, in which a laser is used entirely remove the fibroid, or otherwise clot the blood flow to the fibroid, causing it to die. Another example is cryomyolysis, where a cryogenic gas (typically liquid nitrogen) is used to cool the tip of the needle, which freezes the fibroid.

Myoma coagulation is another method for myolysis, in which an electric current is passed through a needle and into the fibroid, subjecting it to high temperatures.