Indications and Outcomes of Uterine Artery Embolization in Patients with Uterine Leiomyomas

Hidenori Sasa,Tatsumi Kaji,Kenichi Furuya

doi:10.1155/2012/920831

Hidenori Sasa, Tatsumi Kaji + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/920831

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Abstract

Objective. To investigate the indication and limitations of uterine artery embolization (UAE), we retrospectively analyzed the case of patients with uterine leiomyomas who had undergone UAE. Methods. During the past 7 years, 25 patients with uterine leiomyomas had undergone UAE in our hospital. UAE was indicated in patients with menstrual disturbances such as hypermenorrhea or dysmenorrhea. The outcomes of this procedure for uterine leiomyomas were analyzed. Results. Improvement in the menstrual symptoms and/or reduction in the leiomyoma size after UAE were observed in 24 patients (96.0%). There was mean 67.9% reduction in the volume of leiomyomas at six months after UAE (P < 0.05). However, the symptoms recurred after UAE in 6 patients (24.0%), with multiple or intramural leiomyomas larger than 7 cm, which necessitated additional procedures. Conclusion. The indications and limitations of the UAE should be considered because of its noneffectiveness and/or recurrence in over 20% of patients with uterine leiomyomas.

Highlights

Several nonsurgical techniques are used for the treatment of patients with uterine leiomyomas, such as the recently developed magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound therapy
Improvement in the menstrual symptoms and/or reduction in the size of the leiomyoma were observed in 24 patients (96.0%)
Uterine artery embolization (UAE), there was mean 67.9% reduction in the volume of leiomyomas in 17 patients, which was significant (Figure 1, P < 0.05)

Summary

Introduction

Several nonsurgical techniques are used for the treatment of patients with uterine leiomyomas, such as the recently developed magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound therapy. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an outpatient nonsurgical radiologic treatment of uterine leiomyomas. It is noninvasive and useful for women who refuse hysterectomy, as well as for those with a high surgical risk, including morbid obesity [1]. We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 25 patients with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas who had undergone UAE to clarify the indications and limitations of the procedure

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion