title: Uterine artery ligation for the treatment of fibroids.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the efficacy of bilateral uterine artery ligation in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary care gynecological clinic, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty women who had trans-vaginal bilateral uterine artery ligation for the treatment of uterine fibroids between January 2003 and January 2006.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pre-operative baseline ultrasonic measurements of uterine and dominant fibroid volumes were carried out and repeated at two, six, and 12 weeks, then three monthly for a period of three years. Severity of menstrual blood loss, changes in pain symptoms and patients' satisfaction were also assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Changes in uterine and fibroid volumes, hemoglobin values, menstrual pain ratings, and patients' satisfaction ratings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean fibroid volume, mean uterine volume, and mean menstrual pain rating showed statistically significant reductions at six, 12, and 36 months. The mean hemoglobin level and patients' satisfaction rating showed a statistically significant increase after six, 12, and 36 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Trans-vaginal bilateral uterine artery ligation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids especially in areas where access to high level medical technology is restricted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Oluwarotimi Ireti
authors.initials: OI
authors.lastname: Akinola
authors.forename: Adetokunbo Olusegun
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Fabamwo
authors.forename: Rashida Adeyanju
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Akinola
authors.forename: Tawaqualit Abimbola
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Ottun
authors.forename: Ambrose
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akinniyi
authors.forename: Akpan Essien
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Akpan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D011336:Probability; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*