Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine leiomyomata midterm results.
BACKGROUND
The authors review their midterm experience with uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine fibroids.


METHODS
Sixty patients were referred for permanent polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam particle uterine artery embolization during an 18-month period. Detailed clinical follow-up and ultrasound follow-up were obtained.


RESULTS
Bleeding was a presenting symptom in 56 patients and pain was a presenting symptom in 47 patients. All patients underwent a technically successful embolization. One of the patients underwent unilateral embolization. Fifty-nine patients underwent bilateral embolization. Of all patients undergoing bilateral embolization, at last follow-up (mean, 16.3 months), 81% had their uterus and had moderate or better improvement in their symptoms. Ninety-two percent of these patients also had reductions in uterine and dominant fibroid volumes. Overall, the mean uterine and dominant fibroid volume reduction were 42.8% and 48.8%, respectively (mean follow-up, 10.2 months). One infectious complication that necessitated hysterectomy occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine fibroids is a minimally invasive technique with low complication rates and very good clinical efficacy.
Goodwin
S C
SC
Department of Radiological Sciences, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA. sgoodwin@mednet.ucla.edu
McLucas
B
B
Lee
M
M
Chen
G
G
Perrella
R
R
Vedantham
S
S
Muir
S
S
Lai
A
A
Sayre
J W
JW
DeLeon
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply
D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol