title: Uterine artery embolization with spherical PVA-PVAc particles as preparation for surgical resection of myomas.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the use of a new spherical particle of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate (PVA-PVAc) for uterine artery embolization in patients with myoma with surgical indication.
  
  
  METHODS
  twelve patients underwent uterine myoma embolization with PVA-PVAc particles. Three to nine months later, they were submitted to laparotomy with myomectomy. We analyzed the following parameters: volume of the uterus and of the bigger myoma; concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone and hemoglobin; menstrual bleeding (number of days and used absorbents), signs and symptoms before treatment, after embolization and after myomectomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age was 37 years and mean uterine volume prior to treatment, 939.3 cc. Three years after embolization, there was reduction in uterine volume (p = 0.0005), increase in hemoglobin concentration after embolization (p = 0.0004), without variation after the myomectomy. There was no significant variation of the follicle stimulating hormone (p = 0.17). There was no case of ovarian failure, but one of the patients had endometrial atrophy. Two patients became pregnant, with good obstetric indicators. Signs and symptoms improved after embolization, and remained after myomectomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Arterial embolization with spherical PVA-PVAc particles is promising in the preparation for myoma surgery, since it was associated with a reduction in uterine volume, decrease in intraoperative bleeding and made possible the use of smaller incisions, increasing the chance of preserving the uterus.
authors.forename: Juraci
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ghiaroni
authors.forename: Gaudencio Espinosa
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Lopez
authors.forename: Antonio Carlos
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Coutinho Junior
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schanaider
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000628:therapy*; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D011145:Polyvinyls; D011300:Preoperative Care; D055357:Uterine Artery Embolization; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011145:Polyvinyls; C013215:polyvinyl acetate; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol