Revista OMICS de Radiología

Abstracto

Our Clinical Experience on Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: A Retrospective Case-Series of 32 Patients

Isil Yildiz*

Purpose: To present our experience on uterine artery embolization performed in patients with uterine fibroids.

Materials and methods: Thirty-two patients (mean age, 37 years) with symptomatic fibroids who underwent uterine artery embolization in our clinic between July 2014 and May 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Uterine and fibroid volumes were determined by T1-weighted MR images. The change in symptoms after procedure and the severity of postprocedural pain were assessed by patients.

Results: Median follow-up period was 23 months (range 21-30 months). None of patients had menorrhagia, 79% had less menstrual pain, and 82% had less or none abdominal bloating or swelling during follow-up. The mean volumes of uterus and largest fibroid decreased 55% and 66% after embolization, respectively. The rate of patients who satisfied with the procedure was 97%. Majority of women (81.3%) had severe pain which lasted for 4.0 ± 3.0 days. They returned to daily acitivities within 5.0 ± 1.1 days, and to work within 7.0 ± 2.1 days. None of patients had persisting discharge, permanent amenorrhoea, or infective complications.

Conclusion: Uterine artery embolization is an effective and safe treatment alternative for ymptomatic uterine fibroids provided that an extensive clinical and radiological evaluation is performed. Early postprocedural period can be painful, but pain resolves fast.