Uterine Artery Embolization in The Treatment of Symptomatic Leiomyoma: Effect on Ovarian Function, Clinical Symptoms and Its Complications

Abstract

Introduction: The present study evaluated the effect of uterine artery embolization on preservation of fertility in leiomyoma and its complications. Materials and Methods: Thirty women with leiomyoma were included in the present study. Hormonal levels, leiomyoma size, patients’ symptoms and complications if developed were evaluated, both before and after uterine artery embolization. Results: There was no significant difference between the mean follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and estradiol levels, before and after uterine artery embolization (p=0.431, p=0.672, p=0.772, respectively). Fibroids size measured before and after 6 months of uterine artery embolization were 86.47 ± 28.42 cm and 59.80 ± 20.90 cm, respectively (p<0.001). None of the patients developed complications such as embolism, wound problems or necessity for hysterectomy. After uterine artery embolization, symptoms such as hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and dysuria decreased significantly among patients. Conclusions: Our findings showed that uterine artery embolization is an appropriate choice for patients with leiomyoma, to control and relieve symptoms, to reduce fibroid size, and finally to maintain fertility among those women.