Uterine Artery Embolization as Nonsurgical Treatment of Uterine Myomas

Abstract

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.

Uterine artery embolization: is it reliable for myoma treatment?

“…Uterine myomas are the most common benign tumors of the uterus. Momas can be asymptomatic [7][8][9][10]. Symptoms develop according to the localization, number, and size of the myomas.…”

Significance of changes in inflammatory parameters following uterine artery embolization in pre‑menopausal females

“…Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been used as an effective alternative method in the treatment of leiomyomas and adenomyosis and is performed by percutaneous puncture of a common femoral artery, selective catheterization of both uterine arteries and injection of agents, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles or acrylic microspheres, for permanent embolization (8,9). The procedure achieves vascular hypoxia followed by degeneration and size reduction of the leiomyomas or adenomyomas/adenomyosis.…”

Serum deprivation induces apoptotic cell death in the ThESC cell line

“…They occur primarily during the reproductive years (1). Fibroids are benign tumours that develop within the walls of uterine blood vessels and consist of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue (2). Their size varies from tiny nodules of approximately 10 mm to large tumours of greater than 20 cm.…”

“…Symptoms caused by fibroids include prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, and, in rare cases, reproductive dysfunction (4). This is the most common gynaecological problem experienced by women, with clinical significance in 20-40% of women of childbearing age (2). Fibroid growth primarily depends on the hormone state of the organism.…”