A Retrospective Study on Preoperative Uterine Artery Embolization Prior to Hysterectomy [25E

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To determine whether preoperative uterine artery embolization (UAE) decreases blood loss during abdominal hysterectomy for fibroid uterus. METHODS: Patients who underwent same day UAE and abdominal hysterectomy at a single institution were identified based on ICD-9 codes. Data collected included blood loss, operating room time, hospital length of stay, and complication rates. This data was then compared with historical data from a study on patients with fibroid uteri >1000 g who just underwent hysterectomy. RESULTS: During 2006–2014, a total of 59 women underwent preoperative UAE prior to hysterectomy for fibroid uterus. Historical data included 47 women as controls. The average uterine size was comparable between cases and controls (1537±1285 g vs. 1658±793.5 g). The estimated blood loss was significantly reduced in the preoperative UAE group when compared to controls, 360.6±288.2 mL versus 555.8±386.5 mL (P=.004) respectively. Furthermore, women who had preoperative UAE had lower complication rates (21.7%) when compared to controls (61.7%), P<.001. Cases had higher length of stay 3.7±1.1 days and OR time 217.8±56.9 min when compared to controls 2.9±0.8 days and 124±30.6 min (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative uterine artery embolization decreases blood loss and complication rates for women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for fibroid uterus.