Published online Jun 30, 2005.
https://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.2005.52.6.401
Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Symptomatic Fibroids
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine the potential usefulness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the management of uterine leiomyoma.
Materials and Methods
Sixty nine patients (mean age; 40.3 years, age range; 31-52 years) who underwent UAE for symptomatic fibroids (with menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and bulk-related symptoms) from January 2000 to December 2000 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 3.5 months (range: 1-8 months). The fibroids ranged in size from 2.0 cm to 13.2 cm with a mean size of 5.8 cm. We performed embolization using polyvinyl alcohol particles (250-710microgram). The improvement of the clinical symptoms was analyzed. Reduction of the uterine and predominant fibroid volumes was assessed using MRI.
Results
Symptom improvement for the menorrhagia (87.5%), dysmenorrhea (83.3%) and the bulk-related symptoms (79.2%) was reported. Complications included ovarian failure in four patients (5.8% of the total patients, mean age: 43.3 yrs) and infection in three patients (4.3% of the total patients) who underwent conservative management with intravenous antibiotics and analgesics. The volume reduction rate of the uterus and the predominant fibroids after uterine artery embolization were 36.3% and 56.6%, respectively.
Conclusion
UAE is a promising new treatment for symptomatic fibroids and may be a valuable alternative to hysterectomy.
