Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and short-term efficacy of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral UFE was performed in 61 patients with symptomatic uterine leiomyomata during a 16-month period. Imaging was performed before the procedure and at 3 months and 1 year after the procedure. Questionnaires were obtained at regular intervals after the procedure to assess patient outcome. RESULTS: All procedures but one were technically successful. Mean clinical follow-up was 8.7 months. Minor complications occurred in five patients during the follow-up period. All were treated without permanent sequelae. Menstrual bleeding was improved in 89%, with 81% of patients moderately to markedly improved. Pelvic pain and pressure was improved in 96% of patients, with moderate to marked improvement in 79%. At initial imaging follow-up (mean, 4.4 months postprocedure), median uterine volume decreased 34% (P = .0001) and the median dominant fibroid volume decreased 50% (P = .0001). Imaging at 1 year (mean, 12.3 months) after the procedure showed continued reduction with a median uterine volume reduction of 48% (P = .0002) and median dominant fibroid volume decrease of 78% (P = .0002). CONCLUSION: In the authors' initial clinical experience, UFE appears effective in controlling symptoms and substantially reducing fibroid volume with few complications.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1149-1157 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1999 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Fibroid
- Uterine arteries, therapeutic blockade
- Uterus, neoplasms
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine