Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine fibroids: an outpatient procedure.
OBJECTIVE
Our objectives were to establish an outpatient program for uterine artery embolization of fibroids and to monitor the following: percentage of patients who required immediate hospitalization or admission within 2 weeks, outcomes in terms of the degree of ultrasound regression of the fibroids, patient satisfaction, reduction of pressure symptoms, and reduction of bleeding.


METHODS
Patients were screened by a gynecologist with the use of a designed care algorithm; they then underwent uterine embolization, performed by an interventional radiologist. Patients were evaluated at 6 weeks and 6 months after the procedure, and ultrasound studies were performed both before and at 2 to 6 months after the procedure.


RESULTS
Of 35 patients, 29 (83%) went home on the day of the procedure, whereas 6 were observed overnight. Three (9%) patients required admission within 1 week. Of 26 patients, 24 (92%) were satisfied with the reduction of bleeding, and 14 of 18 (78%) were satisfied with the reduction in pressure symptoms. The mean decrease in uterine volume was 36%, and the mean decrease in the size of the dominant fibroid was 49%.


CONCLUSIONS
Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine fibroids might be done on an outpatient basis with a low rate of same-day admissions and delayed admissions. Patient satisfaction was high, and uterine artery embolization might become an accepted option for the treatment of uterine fibroids.
Klein
A
A
Department of Radiology, Northwest Permanente PC, Portland, Oregon, USA.
Schwartz
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001158:Arteries; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019233:Retreatment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*