Mid-term clinical results and patient satisfaction after uterine artery embolization in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the mid-term clinical results and patient satisfaction following uterine artery embolization (UAE) in women with symptomatic fibroids.


METHODS
Between August 1998 and December 2002, 135 patients had UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids. All patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire. Questions were aimed at changes in bleeding, pain, and bulk-related symptoms. Symptoms after UAE were scored as disappeared, improved, unchanged or worsened. Adverse events were noted, such as vaginal dryness and discharge, menopausal complaints or fibroid expulsion. Patient satisfaction after UAE was assessed. Patient satisfaction of women embolized with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles was compared with satisfaction of women embolized with calibrated microspheres.


RESULTS
The questionnaire was returned by 110 of 135 women (81%) at a median time interval of 14 months following UAE. In 10 women additional embolization or hysterectomy had been performed. Of the 110 responders, 86 (78%) were satisfied with the result of UAE. The proportion of satisfied women was higher in the group embolized with calibrated microspheres than in women embolized with PVA, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.053).


CONCLUSIONS
UAE in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids leads to improvement of symptoms and patient satisfaction is good in the vast majority after a median follow-up period of 14 months.
Smeets
Albert J
AJ
Department of Radiology, St. Elisabeth Ziekenhuis, Tilburg, The Netherlands, radiol@knmg.nl.
Lohle
Paul N M
PN
Vervest
Harry A M
HA
Boekkooi
P Focco
PF
Lampmann
Leo E H
LE
D000328:Adult; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000628:therapy*; D008863:Microspheres; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*
D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol