The role of uterine artery embolization in the management of uterine fibroids

Abstract

Uterine artery embolization is increasingly being offered as an alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. This review is intended to evaluate the role of this technique in the management of uterine fibroids using information provided from recently published literature. A growing body of literature supports the efficacy of uterine artery embolization in relieving fibroid-related menorrhagia, pelvic pain and pressure symptoms and in substantially reducing the fibroid size in most patients. Recent publications also show significant improvements in health-related quality of life and high long-term satisfaction rates. The procedure is associated with shorter hospitalization and recovery times and lower morbidity rates compared with conventional surgical treatments. However, serious complications, such as uterine infarction or infection leading to emergency hysterectomy, have been reported in a few cases, and considerable work is currently underway to determine how the safety of the procedure can be enhanced. Although no long-term data on subsequent fertility are yet available, early reports on ovarian function and pregnancy outcomes after uterine artery embolization are encouraging. Based on current evidence, uterine artery embolization can be considered a valuable alternative to surgical therapy in the management of well-selected women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Additional research is needed to help define the place of this technique for women who desire future pregnancy.