Midterm outcome of ultrasound-guided alcohol gel sclerotherapy for symptomatic leiomyoma.
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.
Pessoa
Lucilo Avila
LA
Department of Ultrasonography, Centro Diagnóstico Lucilo Avila Júnior, Recife, Brazil.
Gurgel
Fernando
F
Avila
Mirela
M
Maior
Maria da Conceição Souto
Mda C
Silva
Valeria Maria Bezerra
VM
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*
D005782:Gels; D000431:Ethanol