A Case-Based Study on the Effectiveness of Embospheres as Embolizing Agent in the Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids

Abstract

Introduction: Embolization of the uterine arteries (UAE) has been approved as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of uterine fibroid and maintaining fertility; different agents are used in this technique; embospheres have nowadays become widely used in many centers. Aim: assess the effectiveness and safety of Embospheres as Embolizing agents in treating symptomatic uterine fibroids among Iraqi patients. Methods: This was a mixed retrospective-prospective study conducted at Ibn Sina Hospital; the study included 17 patients who were managed and followed up during the period 2018 - 2020 included 17 Iraqi women with symptomatic uterine fibroids and were managed with embolization of uterine arteries using Embosphere as an embolization agent followed for six months by MRI to monitor changes in size & IV contrast enhancement. Results: The mean age of the patients was 39.5 (range: 266-49) years. Single fibroids were reported in 70.6\% of the cases and multiple fibroids in 29.4%, the median number of fibroids was significantly reduced after UAE, (P\(< \)0.05) and the median size reduced by more than 50%, from 11 cm to 5 cm after UAE, (P\(< \)0.05). More than 70% of fibroids decreased in size, and 17.6% disappeared. After UAE, during the follow-up period, 17.6% of women got pregnant safely. Unfortunately, two patients did not get the benefit. Conclusions: Embospheres were safe and effective as an Embolizing agent in treating symptomatic uterine fibroids with good outcomes and no serious adverse effects or complications.