Uterine artery embolization versus hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids (EMMY trial): peri- and postprocedural results from a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
This was a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety of uterine artery embolization (UAE) compared with hysterectomy.


METHODS
Twenty-eight Dutch hospitals recruited 177 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids and menorrhagia who were eligible for hysterectomy. Patients were randomized to UAE (n = 88) or hysterectomy (n = 89). In this paper we evaluate the peri- and postprocedural complications, length of hospital stay, unscheduled visits, and readmission rates up to 6 weeks' post-intervention. Analysis was by intention to treat.


RESULTS
Bilateral UAE failure occurred in 4 patients (4.9%). Major complications occurred in 4.9% (UAE) and 2.7% (hysterectomy) of cases (P = .68). The minor complication rate from discharge until 6 weeks after was significantly higher in the UAE group than in the hysterectomy group (58.0% vs 40.0%; RR 1.45 [1.04-2.02]; P = .024). UAE patients were more often readmitted (11.1% vs 0%; P = .003). Total length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in UAE patients (mean [SD]: 2.5 [2.7] vs 5.1 [1.3], P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
UAE is a procedure similar to hysterectomy with a low major complication rate and with a reduced length of hospital stay. Higher readmission rates after UAE stress the need for careful postprocedural follow-up.
Hehenkamp
Wouter J K
WJ
Department of Gynecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. w.j.k.hehenkamp@amc.uva.nl
Volkers
Nicole A
NA
Donderwinkel
Peter F J
PF
de Blok
Sjoerd
S
Birnie
Erwin
E
Ankum
Willem M
WM
Reekers
Jim A
JA
D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*