title: Uterine artery embolization as nonsurgical treatment of uterine myomas.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate safety, efficacy or complications of uterine artery embolization (UAE). Patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids (n = 157) were treated by selective bilateral UAE using 350-500 μm sized polyvinyl alcohol particles. Bilateral UAE was successful in 152 (96.8%) cases. Baseline measures of clinical symptoms and MRI taken before the procedure were compared to those taken 3, 6, and 12 months after embolotherapy. Also, complications and outcomes were analyzed after procedure. All patients had an uneventful recovery and were able to return to normal activity within two weeks of embolization. After the procedure, most patients experienced crampy pelvic pain, of variable intensity, which was well managed with the standard analgesia protocol. Five (3%) of participants had persisting amenorrhea after procedure. None reported any new gynecologic or medical problem during the follow-up period. There were no deaths and no major permanent injuries. Reductions in mean uterine volume were 61% (P < 0.01) and in dominant fibroid volume 66% (P≤0.01). The follow-up showed significant improvement of bleeding. In conclusion, uterine artery embolization is a successful, minimal invasive treatment of uterine fibroids that preserves the uterus, had minimal complications, and requires short hospitalization and recovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Spincica 1, 21000 Split, Croatia.
authors.forename: Strinic
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tomislav
authors.forename: Maskovic
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Josip
authors.forename: Cambi Sapunar
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Liana
authors.forename: Vulic
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Marko
authors.forename: Jukic
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marko
authors.forename: Radic
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ante
authors.forename: Jelcic
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dzenis
authors.forename: Grandic
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Leo
authors.forename: Stipic
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ivica
authors.forename: Tandara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Marijan
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Situm