Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids

Abstract EN

Uterine artery embolisation has been introduced recently as an alternative treatment for fibroids.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the initial results of uterine artery embolisation in the treatment of symptomatic uterine leiomyomata in HMC and review the data from the literature. On the basis of clinical and ultrasonographic examinations, four women aged between 35 to 44 years with severe fibroid-related menorrhagia were referred for uterine artery embolisation.

In all four cases bilateral embolisation of the uterine arteries was carried out using particles of polyvinyl alcohol (Ivalon, 500-750 μ m) under local anaesthesia and fluoroscopy / digital subtraction angiography control.

Complete occlusion of the arteries supplying the fibroids was achieved resulting in restoration of normal menstrual bleeding.

Three patients did not develop any complications, except short post-embolisation discomfort lasting only a few hours.

In one case with large fibroids, a post-embolisation syndrome (abdominal pain, sweating, vomiting and increased blood pressure) lasting 48hours was observed.

All the patients expressed satisfaction with the treatment. Data from the literature indicate that uterine artery embolisation has gained wide acceptance in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids, particularly in patients wishing to avoid total hysterectomy or blood transfusion, although hysteroscopic resection, myolysis and laparoscopic myomectomy remain alternative methods of treatment. Key words: uterus, hemorrhage, neoplasms, fibroma, leiomyoma, embolisationtherapeutic, interventional procedures