Uterine arterial embolization for the management of leiomyomas.
BACKGROUND
Leiomyoma is the common benign tumor of the female genital tract. The traditional treatment is hysterectomy, myomectomy or medical therapy by hormonal manipulation. Uterine arterial embolization, a recognized treatment for acute pelvic hemorrhage, has recently been applied to the management of non-acute uterine hemorrhage due to leiomyoma.


OBJECTIVE
To describe our experience with uterine arterial embolization for the management of uterine fibroid.


METHODS
Uterine arterial embolization was performed in nine patients with leiomyomas in whom medical therapy failed and who sought to avoid surgery.


RESULTS
Follow-up ultrasound examination after 2 months revealed an average reduction in fibroid volume of 38%. There were no early or long-term complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Uterine arterial embolization appears to be effective and safe in the management of symptomatic leiomyomas. It is a promising alternative to myomectomy or hysterectomy and warrants further investigation in this setting.
Belenky
A
A
Intervention Radiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Campus), Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Cohen
M
M
Bachar
G N
GN
D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*