Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids

Abstract

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) as the primary treatment modality for fibroids was first described by Ravina et al. in 1995. Since then reports from developed countries have indicated that UAE appears to be effective in controlling symptoms in 81—97% of cases. However there has been no published long-term data regarding the efficacy of UAE in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids in the Indian population. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of the procedure and the efficacy of the use of grey scale and color Doppler sonography in the follow-up of women who underwent UAE. Uterine artery embolization was performed as an alternative to surgery in 30 women (age range: 21—52 years mean age: 33.8 years) with 1 or more symptomatic uterine fibroids. Exclusion criteria included active pelvic infection/inflammatory disease gynecological malignancy prior pelvic radiation connective tissue disorders associated pelvic conditions that might be corrected at the time of combined surgery such as stress incontinence or uterine prolapse and contraindications to angiography due to contrast allergy renal failure or uncorrectable bleeding diathesis. (excerpt)