Short-term administration of oral relugolix before single-port laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine myomas: A retrospective comparative study with leuprorelin injection

Aim To investigate the efficacy of short-term administration of relugolix, a novel orally active gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, before single-port laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for symptomatic uterine myomas, retrospectively compared with injection of leuprorelin, a GnRH agonist. Methods A retrospective comparative study of each 35 women with symptomatic myomas in the relugolix and leuprorelin groups. Results Before administration of relugolix and leuprorelin, the median uterine volume did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.53). Median uterine volume change from baseline after short-term administration of relugolix and leuprorelin did not differ significantly (p = 0.17). Surgical duration (p = 0.84) and estimated blood loss (p = 0.48) were not different between the two groups. According to a patient questionnaire, the side effects of the drugs were not different between the two groups (p = 0.27). When patients were was asked if they wanted to have either of these drugs again, some relugolix users preferred leuprorelin due to concern about forgetting daily medication, while some leuprorelin users preferred relugolix to avoid pain at injection. Conclusion Oral relugolix medication or leuprorelin injection administered before single-port LAVH for uterine myomas yielded an equivalent reduction of uterine volume and perioperative outcomes with no significant adverse events. Patient preference for either oral daily relugolix or a monthly injection of leuprorelin could be considered when preoperative management is determined.

Automated summary

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of the novel drug relugolix with the traditional drug leuprorelin in the preoperative treatment of symptomatic uterine myomas before single-port LAVH. The study found that both drugs showed equivalent reduction in uterine volume and perioperative outcomes, with similar side effects. Therefore, patient preference for either oral relugolix or monthly injection of leuprorelin can be considered in preoperative management decisions.