Assessing Safety and Efficacy of Uterine Artery Embolization in Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids

Abstract
Background: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a modality for management of symptomatic uterine leiomyomata. UAE for uterine fibroids in Egypt is a procedure with minimal reported data.
Aim of Study: To determine safety and efficacy of UAE in treating uterine leiomyomata in Egyptian population.
Patients and Methods: 45 consecutive patients undergoing UAE for uterine leiomyomata management were questioned for fibroid associated manifestation and symptomatic improve-ment at predetermined follow-up clinical visits. Data were obtained via verbal questionnaire.
Data collected included early, late procedural related complications and possible gynecological interventions were gathered.
Follow-up imaging by MRI at three and six months was carried out in order to measure reduction in uterine, dominant leiomyomata volume post-UAE.
Results: Technical success was achieved in 100% of patients. No significant complication took place with no necessary post procedural-related gynecological interventions.
Follow-up duration was 6 months. Heavy menstrual bleeding improved in 91.1% of patients at 3 months and in 95.6% at 6 months post treatment. Pressure-related symptoms improved in 84.4% of patients at 3 months and in 95.6% at 6 months after treatment. Convenient control of pain was evident in 55.6% of patients at 3 months and in 73.3% at 6 months post-UAE. MRI showed highly significant reduction in uterine as well as dominant fibroid volumes (24.4, 31.1 % at 3, 6 months), (33.3, 44.4% at 3, 6 months) respectively.
Conclusion: Uterine artery embolization is an effective procedure in treatment of symptomatic uterine leiomyomata with reduced post-procedural complications.