title: Midterm outcome of ultrasound-guided alcohol gel sclerotherapy for symptomatic leiomyoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to describe the outcome of ultrasound-guided ethanol gel sclerotherapy of myomatous nodules 1 to 18 months after treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 118 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of symptomatic leiomyomas referred for ethanol gel sclerotherapy were studied between November 2005 and July 2007. Clinical (self-administered symptom questionnaire) and ultrasound follow-ups were done 1 to 2, 6 to 8, and 12 to 18 months after the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean baseline volumes +/- SD were 223.3 +/- 158.3 cm(3) for the uterus and 68.4 +/- 110.5 cm(3) for the dominant fibroid. The most common adverse reaction in the immediate postoperative period was pelvic pain in 27.1% of the patients, but 58.4% had no reactions. After 12 months, a 29.5% reduction in uterine volume was observed in 64.7% of the patients. A 55.5% reduction in dominant fibroid volume was observed in 82.8% of the patients. Pelvic pain improved in 29.8% of the sample, dysmenorrhea in 51.7%, and menstrual flow in 39%. Most patients (77%) reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that ethanol gel sclerotherapy is a safe, conservative alternative for treating symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Further randomized studies are necessary to determine the suitability and indications of this procedure in comparison to other minimally invasive techniques.
authors: Department of Ultrasonography, Centro Diagnóstico Lucilo Avila Júnior, Recife, Brazil.
authors: Lucilo Avila
authors: LA
authors: Pessoa
authors: Fernando
authors: F
authors: Gurgel
authors: Mirela
authors: M
authors: Avila
authors: Maria da Conceição Souto
authors: Mda C
authors: Maior
authors: Valeria Maria Bezerra
authors: VM
authors: Silva
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D000431:Ethanol