The purpose of this study was to evaluate safety, efficacy or complications of
uterine artery embolization (UAE). Patients with symptomatic
uterine fibroids (n = 157) were treated by selective bilateral UAE using 350-500 μm sized
polyvinyl alcohol particles. Bilateral UAE was successful in 152 (96.8%) cases. Baseline measures of clinical symptoms and MRI taken before the procedure were compared to those taken 3, 6, and 12 months after
embolotherapy. Also, complications and outcomes were analyzed after procedure. All patients had an uneventful recovery and were able to return to normal activity within two weeks of embolization. After the procedure, most patients experienced crampy
pelvic pain, of variable intensity, which was well managed with the standard
analgesia protocol. Five (3%) of participants had persisting
amenorrhea after procedure. None reported any new gynecologic or medical problem during the follow-up period. There were no deaths and no major permanent
injuries. Reductions in mean uterine volume were 61% (P < 0.01) and in dominant
fibroid volume 66% (P≤0.01). The follow-up showed significant improvement of
bleeding. In conclusion,
uterine artery embolization is a successful, minimal invasive treatment of
uterine fibroids that preserves the uterus, had minimal complications, and requires short hospitalization and recovery.